Norwegian Football Federation defends VAR amid club protests

The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) is advocating for the retention of Video Assistant Referees (VAR) despite a recent vote by top clubs favoring its removal due to widespread fan protests. President Lise Klaveness emphasized the need to improve VAR rather than abolish it, citing its role in correcting decisions since its introduction in 2023. Fan discontent has manifested in protests, including incidents where fishcakes and tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch, leading to match disruptions. The NFF will present its case at an upcoming congress in early March, where a final decision will be made. Many supporters and club representatives argue that VAR disrupts the flow of the game and undermines the spectator experience. The situation has sparked significant debate about the future of VAR in Norwegian football, with the NFF facing strong opposition from both fans and clubs.