VAR will remain part of Norwegian football after a decisive vote at the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) General Assembly. With 321 votes in favor and 129 against, the grassroots clubs tipped the balance to keep the technology, despite opposition from teams in the country’s top two divisions. The decision marks the end of an intense debate that has been divisive in Norwegian football since the introduction of VAR in 2023, and is representative of the various European countries that have been living with the technology for a number of seasons.
NFF president Lise Klaveness hailed the result as a victory for the federation, although she acknowledged that the use of VAR remains a controversial issue. The vote, which took place at Oslo’s Ullevaal Stadion, was preceded by more than two hours of heated debate, reflecting the tensions that VAR has generated both in Norway and other European leagues.
GRASSROOTS CLUBS IN THE DECISION
Interestingly, the final decision was not made by the elite clubs, who had previously voted 19-13 in favor of eliminating VAR, but by the grassroots clubs and lower divisions. These teams, which do not use the technology in their competitions, traditionally tend to align themselves with the NFF’s recommendations. In this case, the leaders of the 18 district associations significantly influenced the outcome by backing the continuation of VAR.
The decision prevents Norway from becoming the first country to abolish VAR, but has left open questions about the voting process. Many critics argue that the NFF should have given greater weight to the opinion of clubs in the top divisions, who are most affected by the implementation of the technology.
UNEASE WITH VAR IN NORWAY AND EUROPE
The VAR has been the subject of intense criticism in Norway, with protests at Eliteserien matches that included tennis balls and fishcakes being thrown onto the pitch. This unease is not unique to Norway; in several European leagues, fans have expressed frustration at disruptions and lack of clarity in refereeing decisions. In countries such as England, Spain, France and Italy, VAR has generated debates about its impact on the flow of the game and the fan experience.
In contrast, Norway’s neighbor Sweden remains the only European country that has completely rejected the use of VAR, highlighting the divisions the technology has generated on the continent.
THE FUTURE OF VAR IN NORWAY
Lise Klaveness has acknowledged that the VAR system needs improvement, but has defended its continuation by arguing that Norwegian referees could be disadvantaged in UEFA competitions if they do not use the technology in their home league. In addition, the president has stressed that VAR is a tool that, properly implemented, can improve justice in football.
The 2025 Eliteserien season will kick off on March 29, and the VAR debate is sure to continue.
