Ex Serie A Referee Explains All Impending VAR ‘Innovations’ | OneFootball

Former Serie A referee Luca Marelli takes stock on impending VAR modifications we are about to witness around Italian stadiums.

Interviewed by Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInterNews, Marelli explained the upcoming innovations.

Indeed, after years of controversy, Lega Calcio has decided to increase transparency and improve communication with spectators.

Furthermore, these changes will include showing the reasons for VAR checks on big screens in stadiums.

Therefore, fans will be able to better understand the decisions during on-field VAR reviews.

Meanwhile, referees will directly communicate their decisions to the audience in the Coppa Italia semi-finals.

However, it only will particularly refer to on-field reviews.

These moves are part of a wider effort to enhance clarity and reduce misunderstandings around VAR calls.

Former Serie A Referee Luca Marelli Explains Upcoming VAR Changes

TORREON, MEXICO – FEBRUARY 19:Picture of the VAR system prior the 9th round match between Santos Laguna and Cruz Azul as part of the Torneo Clausura 2025 Liga MX at Corona Stadium on February 19, 2025 in Torreon, Mexico. (Photo by Manuel Guadarrama/Getty Images)

“There will be no major changes in the league,” Marelli started. “Fans will be able to read the reason for a VAR check on the big screens.

“This will provide more information to those in the stadium who, without replays, might struggle to understand the circumstances of a VAR call.

“In the Coppa Italia, however, we will experiment with direct communication from the referee to the public.

“Referees will explain the decision after a VAR check, as already happens in the United States for about a year.

“Of course, it will be a one-way message.

“However, I fear that especially at the beginning, the audience might murmur, and it would be hard to hear the referee.

“We will see; the experiment is also meant for this.”

Meanwhile, Marelli explained how these changes could affect referees’ interaction with fans.

“In my opinion, they will be useful for those who truly want to understand the logical steps behind the use of the protocol,” he added.

“Those who just want to stir controversy, I doubt this transparency will influence them.

“Overall, I’m convinced that anything that brings transparency is positive.

“But we live in an era where any innovation is a source of controversy by default.”