Judging has always been the main pain point of football. Referee mistakes can cost teams titles. The pressure at World Cups is at its peak. However, with the introduction of VAR and artificial intelligence, mistakes have decreased. However, perfect refereeing does not exist. We tell you how FIFA is fighting for the ideal. Video Assistant Referee (VAR) VAR appeared in 2018. System: the video assistant watches replays and advises the referee. When to intervene: goals (offensive infringement), penalties (foul), red cards, incorrect player identification. Advantages: the number of gross mistakes has decreased (by 40%). Disadvantages: disputes about interpretations (such as handball), long pauses (up to 2 minutes), destruction of emotions. At the 2022 World Cup, VAR cancelled 13 goals (of which 4 were correct cancellations?). VAR with artificial intelligence is expected at the 2026 World Cup. Electronic offside system (semi-automatic) A semi-automatic offside detection system appeared at the 2022 World Cup. How it works: 12 cameras, 29 points on the player's body. AI determines the moment of the pass and the position of players. The decision is made in 30 seconds. Advantages: accuracy (mistakes in millimeters). Disadvantages: still controversial (there is offside 1 cm away, which does not affect the game). The system will be even faster (10 seconds) at the 2026 World Cup. Ethical requirements A referee must be impartial, physically prepared (run 10-12 km per match), and psychologically resilient. Previously, referees from countries not participating in the tournament were appointed (for example, a Uruguayan referee officiates a match between Brazil and England). Now — there may still be conflicts due to enmity and prejudices. But FIFA checks referees with a polygraph (connections with bookmakers). Refereeing mistakes are not unpunished: referees may be suspended after the World Cup. Artificial intelligence in refereeing In 2026, for the first time a ... Read more