When FIFA introduced the Video Assistant Referee, the promise was simple: intervene only to correct clear and obvious errors, and do so without disrupting the flow of the game.
Mark Geiger, a former World Cup referee, emphasized that VAR was meant to "minimize interference and maximize benefit," yet the reality on the pitch has often been the opposite.
Take the case of Kylian Mbappé, who once waited five minutes for a penalty decision that should have been resolved in seconds, illustrating how the system can stall momentum.
The NFL, which has refined its instant‑replay apparatus for years, enjoys faster technology and a "replay assist" that can settle calls within 20 to 30 seconds. Still, the league has begun to mirror the very habits that have plagued soccer.
The Peril of Over‑Technical Reviews
One of the most troubling trends is the reliance on super‑slow‑motion angles that can highlight a brush of hair or a fraction of a millimeter of contact, turning marginal incidents into contentious fouls.
Such technicalities risk turning the sport into a laboratory experiment rather than a contest of skill, echoing the criticisms levied at FIFA’s VAR process.
The NFL’s recent move away from the challenge system, favoring a "replay assist" that automatically triggers reviews, has paradoxically slowed the game, as officials now wait for the league office to green‑light each check.
There is also a growing push for a "sky judge" who would call penalties that on‑field referees missed, a solution that could create more controversy than clarity.
Instead of expanding the reach of replay, the league should impose a cap on the number of reviews per match and reserve them for incidents that truly affect the outcome.
By learning from FIFA’s missteps, the NFL can preserve the rhythm that fans love while still benefiting from the safety net that video review provides.