Several clubs in Norway's top-tier Eliteserien are campaigning to eliminate Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology following intense supporter backlash.. Led by Lillestrom Sports Club, the movement seeks to reverse a decision made when the system was first implemented in 2023.
Lillestrom's push to liquidate VAR technology
Lillestrom Sports Club has officially adopted a resolution to actively work toward phasing out the system.. According to chairman Raymond Gabrielsen,the club's board is currently in dialogue with other top-flight teams to develop concrete initiatives for the removal of VAR. This effort is not merely a suggestion but a formal position held by the club's leadership to ensure the technology is removed from the league.
The dissatisfaction stems from a perceived gap between the technology's initial promise and its actual performance. Gabrielsen told Norwegian broadcaster TV2 that the club is fundamentally against the concept of the technology.. He noted that the quality of the current solution does not correspond to what was communicated during its introduction in 2023, nor has the system improved as expected over time . As reported by the source, the club believes the matter is now ripe for a new assessment where the participating clubs can be heard.
The legacy of Valerenga's 'No to VAR' protests
Supporter backlash has been a driving force behind the current movement to change officiating standards. At Valerenga, fans have previously utilized "No to VAR" banners to signal their discontent with the technology's impact on the game. While Norwegian clubs proposed abandoning the system last year, the idea was rejected by a clear majority, though the movement has since gained significant new momentum from both fans and club officials.
Norway's potential departure from the Premier League model
The Eliteserien's current struggle stands in stark contrast to the situation in England.. In the Premier League,a 2024 attempt by Wolves to axe VAR was overwhelmingly defeated by a 19-1 vote from other members. While English clubs have largely maintained support for the technology despite ongoing debates, Norwegian clubs are exploring a path that could see them become the first nation to introduce and then vote to scrap the system.
This potential reversal would distinguish Norway from other European neighbors like Sweden. In 2024, Sweden's Allsvenskan rejected the introduction of VAR entirely, avoiding the controversy that now grips the Norwegian top flight.. If the Eliteserien clubs succeed,it will serve as a global case study for football authorities considering the long-term viability of digital officiating.
Will the Eliteserien clubs win the next assessment?
Several critical questions remain regarding the success of this campaign and the future of the league. it is currently unclear how the league will respond to the specific "liquidation" initiatives proposed by Lillestrom. Furthermore, the source does not specify which other Eliteserien clubs have formally joined the movement, leaving the true scale of the coalition unverified. Finally, it remains to be seen if a new assessment will actually grant the clubs the decisive voice they are demanding to change the rules of the game.
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