VAR in India: What is VAR-Light? AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey proposes VAR Lite- Check OUT

VAR in India: What is VAR-Light? Kalyan Chaubey, president of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), recently visited Belgium, which could pave the way for the implementation of a new VAR-LIGHT (Lite) system, allowing the game-changing technology to be introduced in India for the first time next season. With the events followed by the refereeing decisions in Indian Super League, specifically between Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters FC, the need is pretty much on the surface. Follow Indian Super League and Indian Football Team LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN

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VAR in India: What is VAR-Light? Frustrated with referring in ISL, AIFF Prez Kalyan Chaubey mulls VAR-Light implementation after Belgium visit, Check OUT

During a visit to the Royal Belgian FA headquarters earlier this month, the AIFF president was impressed with how the technology was being used at a much lower cost. He is now eager to use technology to ensure that football matches in the country are free of human error.

“For their VAR system, Belgium has found a lighter version or a reasonable version of using the technology at a much lower cost,” Chaubey told TOI on Saturday. “At their headquarters, with 16 monitors and four (person) manpower, they can conduct four matches. India has many IT experts. If we can take the help of young graduates, we can understand what Belgium is following and use our own VAR-Lite.”

VAR Lite in India.
So fruits from MoU with Belgium FA.🇧🇪🤝🇮🇳
Indian football moves ahead. pic.twitter.com/zkczSABN1v

— ISL தமிழ் Memes (@TheISLtamil) March 19, 2023

In 2020 when AIFF checked the cost for implementation of VAR, they were told that it would cost them approximately Rs 18-20 lakh per match and Rs 15-20 crore per season on a long-term contract. FIFA rules stipulate that VAR systems use a minimum of four cameras to assess offsides and clear and obvious errors or serious missed incidents. It also requires additional match officials. However, every member association is free to devise its own system to ensure that errors from referees are minimized.

“We are coming up with VAR (Lite). I have seen a couple of matches, incidents (of errors) and the subsequent fan reactions. I have received many emails, messages on social media. They want VAR to be implemented, or at least human error-free matches. We have employed referees to ensure their financial security, but at the end of the day, they are human,” said Chaubey.

VAR in India: What is VAR-Light?

FIFA investigated cost-effective VAR system solutions and presented the concept of VAR Light to The IFAB and its members in March 2021. While full VAR systems are designed to process a large number of camera feeds, VAR Light systems are designed for matches with fewer than eight cameras. Given that there are fewer cameras, the number of camera angles is limited, two distinct paths have been identified.

System of 4-8 cameras
Competitions with four to eight cameras can use these systems during live trials to investigate the possibility of reducing staff and technology requirements.

1-3 camera setup
Competitions with fewer camera plans can test VAR Light systems offline without affecting the game. This will serve as a platform for the exploration of new ideas and potential solutions. Using fewer cameras will also give you an idea of the usability and efficacy of VAR solutions that use fewer camera angles.

VAR in India: What is VAR-Light? Frustrated with referring in ISL, AIFF Prez Kalyan Chaubey mulls VAR-Light implementation after Belgium visit, Check OUT

The former India goalkeeper was sympathetic to referees, many of whom have come under fire for decisions on the field. One controversial call from Crystal John in the Indian Super League (ISL) knockout early this month saw Kerala Blasters FC walkout against Bengaluru FC after a Sunil Chhetri goal from a “quick freekick” was allowed to stand.

“Refereeing is a thankless job. They can make errors, but we have to get them the support that others get globally. When the referee takes the field, he is the only individual wearing a jersey and not getting any support. The other two teams have a fan base. There are fans to cheer them, but nobody to support the referee.

“As president of the federation, I am a supporter of referees and I want to be with them in their highs and lows. I can ensure that India will not fall short in terms of providing facilities. Like they say, even if I have to beg, borrow or steal, I will ensure that Indian football gets at par facilities as the global standards,” said Chaubey.