Manchester City striker Erling Haaland recently expressed frustration regarding the increasing length of video assistant referee (VAR) reviews, specifically highlighting the delay surrounding a penalty kick incident involving Kylian Mbappé. The Norwegian international, known for his direct approach to the game, voiced his opinion via social media, suggesting that the current duration of officiating pauses disrupts the flow of professional football.
The commentary surfaced as football fans and players continue to debate the impact of technology on match tempo. Haaland’s remarks bring focus to a growing sentiment among top-tier athletes regarding the “dead time” created by prolonged monitor reviews and on-field coordination between referees and VAR officials. According to reports tracking player social media engagement, the striker observed the match from his team’s hotel, noting that waiting five minutes for a penalty decision is excessive for both players and spectators.
The Impact of VAR Delays on Match Intensity
For elite forwards like Haaland and Mbappé, maintaining physical and mental rhythm is essential to performance. A penalty kick is a high-pressure situation, and significant delays can alter the psychological state of the taker. Haaland’s critique centers on the practical reality of the pitch: after a player has prepared for a set-piece, standing idle for an extended period—often while officials deliberate over frame-by-frame replays—can diminish the intensity of the competition.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) manages the laws of the game, which currently mandate that VAR should only intervene for “clear and obvious errors.” However, the practical application of this rule has faced scrutiny across major leagues, including the Premier League and La Liga. As noted by the official IFAB VAR protocol, the objective is to minimize interference, yet match officials often face complex scenarios requiring multiple camera angles, leading to the pauses that Haaland described as overly lengthy.
Player Perspectives on Officiating Trends
Haaland is not the only high-profile player to question the balance between accuracy and speed in modern officiating. Professional footballers frequently navigate the tension between the desire for correct decisions and the need for a fluid game. While the introduction of semi-automated offside technology has sought to reduce the time spent on certain types of reviews, subjective penalty box incidents—such as those involving potential fouls or handball rulings—continue to require human interpretation, which inherently takes more time.
Data from the Premier League’s recent seasons indicates that while VAR has increased the accuracy of penalty decisions, the average time taken per review remains a point of contention for stakeholders. The league has actively worked to improve efficiency, but as Haaland’s comments demonstrate, the perception from the pitch remains that the game’s momentum is frequently interrupted.
What Happens Next in Match Officiating
The discussion regarding the duration of VAR checks is expected to remain a priority for football governing bodies as they look toward future rule adjustments. Leagues are under pressure to ensure that technology serves the game without compromising its entertainment value or the physical readiness of the athletes.
The next official review of the laws of the game by IFAB occurs during their Annual General Meeting, where stakeholders often discuss potential amendments to officiating procedures. Until then, players and managers will continue to adapt to the current standard of VAR intervention. We invite you to share your thoughts on whether the current duration of VAR reviews is necessary for the integrity of the game or if it hinders the player experience.