Norwegian football clubs are organizing to eliminate VAR technology from the Eliteserien. Led by Lillestrom Sports Club, the movement follows significant pushback from supporters who claim the system fails to meet its original promises.
Lillestrom’s resolution to phase out VAR technology
Lillestrom Sports Club is spearheading a movement to remove Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology from Norway's top-tier football league, the Eliteserien. According to the report, Chairman Raymond Gabrielsen confirmed that the club has established a formal annual meeting resolution to pursue the phasing out of the system.. Gabrielsen expressed frustration that the quality of the current VAR implementation does not align with the high expectations communicated when the technology was first introduced to the league in 2023.
The club is not acting in isolation but is instead engaging in active dialogue with other top-flight clubs to develop concrete initiatives. As the report notes, these discussions are aimed at creating a unified front that could eventually lead to a formal vote on the liquidation of the technology. The goal is to force a new assessment of the system, ensuring that the voices of the clubs actually using the technology are prioritized in the decision-making process.
Fan unrest at Valerenga fuels the anti-VAR movement
Supporter protests have become a defining feature of the opposition to VAR in the Eliteserien. at Valerenga, fans have already made their stance clear through public demonstrations, including the display of "no to VAR" banners last year. this widespread dissatisfaction highlights a fundamental tension in modern football: the struggle to balance technological precision with the emotional and traditional flow of the sport.
The movement is more than just a technical disagreement; it is a cultural pushback.. For many supporters, the delays and perceived inaccuracies of VAR have stripped the game of its spontaneity. this sentiment is driving the political momentum within the clubs, as leadership recognizes that the technology is alienating a core part of their fan base.
A rejection of the 19-1 Premier League vote
Norway’s potential move to scrap VAR would represent an unprecedented shift in international football governance. While Sweden's Allsvenskan made the decision to reject the introduction of VAR in 2024 , no other nation has yet implemented the technology only to vote for its total removal. This makes the Eliteserien's current trajectory a global outlier.
In contrast, major leagues like the English Premier League have shown significant resistance to such changes. In 2024, the club Wolves sought to axe VAR, but their proposal was overwhelmingly rejected by a 19-1 margin from other Premier League members. This highlights the difficulty of reversing technological trends once they have been institutionalized within the sport's highest levels.
Will the Eliteserien clubs reach a consensus on liquidation?
Several critical questions remain regarding the success of the Lillestrom-led initiative. While the club is in dialogue with other teams, the report does not specify how many clubs are currently committed to supporting a liquidation vote. Without a clear majority, the resolution may struggle to overcome the same hurdles that stopped the Wolves' attempt in England.
Additionally, there is no clarity on what the "concrete initiatives" mentioned by Raymond Gabrielsen will actually entail. It remains to be seen whether the clubs are looking for a different technological solution or if they intend to return to traditional officiating entirely. The outcome of these discussions will determine if Norway becomes a pioneer in the movement to de-tech football.
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