Bundesliga - "Kills spontaneous emotions": Watzke in favor of VAR reforms
BVB Managing Director Hans-Joachim Watzke is campaigning for a reform of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). "Video evidence kills spontaneous emotions," Watzke, who is also chairman of the supervisory board of the German Football League (DFL), told the Ruhr Nachrichten newspaper (Saturday edition). Especially "when the VAR, unlike goal-line technology, is not able to make decisions within a short time, but people have to wait three or four minutes."
The 64-year-old emphasized that the truth is that many decisions have improved thanks to the video assistant. "Some just take too long. Being happy or angry again after four minutes is not a winning approach. We have to take it seriously when people say: this is no longer our soccer at this point."
If the official has his way, the "confusion with the handball rule" also needs to be resolved. Watzke sees another major problem in the interpretation of the rules. "We can't get it right nationally, we can't get it right internationally. The rules are now applied differently in every stadium. There's no line at all anymore," he criticized. "It used to be so simple: it was always about whether it was intentional or not. That was actually the right intention."
In view of the ongoing criticism of the video assistant, Watzke has announced a review. "We have to change something. We will convene a meeting with the DFL, ideally in cooperation with the DFB, and look for solutions."
Watzke interview in the Ruhr Nachrichten
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- Watzke, as the BVB Managing Director and chairman of the DFL's supervisory board, has expressed his concerns about VAR's impact on spontaneous emotions in soccer.
- During his interview with Ruhr Nachrichten, Watzke highlighted the need for VAR reforms, particularly addressing its inability to make decisions in a timely manner and the confusion surrounding handball rules.
- According to Watzke, the questionable interpretation of rules in Bundesliga matches has led to inconsistencies in decisions, from stadium to stadium, and a loss of the game's simplicity.
- In response to the ongoing criticism of VAR, Watzke has announced a meeting, ideally in cooperation with the DFB (German Football Association), to review the system and explore potential solutions.
- Watzke's statements have gained attention in German soccer circles, sparking discussions about the role of technology in ensuring fairness and preserving the spirit of the game in Bundesliga matches.
Source: www.stern.de
