Fans who oppose VAR in football have been given a glimmer of hope after Swedish football turned down the use of the technology. Swedish clubs, like those in Germany, are majority-owned by fans, many of whom strongly object to VAR. A significant number of the country’s top clubs and two regional associations in Sweden have expressed their opposition to VAR, with supporters increasingly doubtful about its benefits after seeing its impact in other European leagues. The Swedish football association made it known that they did not propose the introduction of VAR to the previous board of representatives and do not foresee it in the future, respecting the democratic rules of the game.
Initially, there were concerns that VAR could become a requirement by UEFA, but it is now understood that the governing body will not force countries without VAR to implement the system. Supporters have shown praise for Sweden’s decision, with many expressing their desire for the UK to follow suit and scrap VAR. This move has been seen as the start of resistance against the use of VAR in football.
