Indian football fraternity in two minds to accept FIFA’s VAR technology

Indian football fraternity in two minds to accept FIFA's VAR technology | Image: Twitter
Indian football fraternity in two minds to accept FIFA’s VAR technology | Image: Twitter


Kolkata:
Despite those controversial incidents using video referee technology at the ongoing Confederations Cup, the majority of the football fraternity are ready to welcome the new VAR technology with extended arms. Though a few are also opposing the new system as they feel that the technology will slow up the pace of the game to a great extent.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has described VAR as “the future of modern football” following criticism of the technology during the Confederations Cup. Today, www.xtratime.in asked the leading Indian coaches and players to know how they are taking this technology.

Sanjoy Sen (I-League winning coach): I am a positive human being and I always respect the new changes which are coming to the game. These are good. Apparently it might seem a bit difficult to adapt. But on a long run, it will be significant for the game. I can still remember what happened to England when their goal was cancelled against Germany in 2010 FIFA World Cup. I believe this is a significant step towards perfection. I can remember, one of our goals were disallowed in the Federation Cup back in 2014/15 season against Salgaocar, as this VAR Technology was not there.

Robin Singh (Forward, Indian National Football Team): Well, I am a believer of the old school. I don’t think this will help the game. Football is a high intensity game these days and to err is human. The teams should take the mistakes of the referee sportingly and move ahead. I support the process of keeping an extra referee behind the goal post to check if it is a goal or not. If he makes a mistake, we should forget it and try again from the scratch.

Pranjal Banerjee (FIFA Referee): FIFA takes all the developmental decisions for the benefit of the teams. In the past, we have seen many controversies to happen in the past. There are many referees who make crucial mistakes in game-changing moments. The teams suffer badly for that. This system will sure help to solve the issue.

Mehtab Hossain (Midfielder, East Bengal & Kerala Blasters): I am not the right person to judge whether it’s good for the game or bad. Our job is to play the game. Obviously, when FIFA has decided it, it certainly has some purpose. I think it will certainly be a success as the time progresses.