Norway Football Clubs Voted Against VAR, Explained
Norway Football Clubs Vote Against VAR Implementation Amid Fan Protests and Violence

In a crucial move, 19 out of the 32 football clubs in Norway voted for an end to VAR, that is Video Assistant Referees in Eliteserien-the highest division in the country’s league system. The vote has come in at the wake of numerous protests from the fans that marked the match played, some involving violent behavior. A ruling will be given on this decision by the NFF-Norwegian Football Federation. It has planned the vote in March 2025 and is also liable to rescind it.
Background: The Controversy Surrounding VAR in Norway

VAR was first implemented in the top-tier league of Norway in 2023. Introduced globally during the FIFA World Cup 2018, it is a tool that helps the referee to make the right calls at the right time during any match. Since its implementation, several top leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, and Bundesliga have adopted VAR. But the matter has been highly criticized with the fans claiming that it ruins the game and provides frustration to people.
Since its introduction, incidents of fan violence protesting VAR have been on the rise. Fans have caused disturbance in matches by obstructing play with protests against the technology. Some of the recent incidents include one of the matches involving Rosenberg and Lillestrøm during the 2024–25 season. The match had to be stopped as some fans hurled fish cakes on the field while protesting the introduction of VAR. Though play resumed briefly, the situation escalated when more objects, including tennis balls and smoke bombs, were thrown, causing the referee to abandon the match altogether after 30 minutes.
Reasons for the Vote Against VAR

The main reason for voting against VAR is the discontent and disturbances among the fans. As Cato Haug, the chairman of Norsk Toppfotball, which comprises the country’s top two divisions, said, “The potential was acknowledged, but the current implementation was not deemed sufficient.” Most clubs felt that VAR was not working and the disturbances it was causing were not worth the benefits, according to Haug.
Fan violence and protests against VAR have caused significant disruptions in Norwegian football, with incidents such as champagne corks and croissants being thrown onto the pitch, further fueling tensions between supporters, clubs, and the authorities. The NFF had to enter into a four-month consultation period involving clubs, players, and supporters’ groups in an attempt to address the issue and gauge opinions on the use of VAR.
It is from here that debates regarding the VAR spread throughout the globe, from its invention until today. For many people, it was appreciated because of correcting clear errors of referees; on the other hand, others stated that it was slowing the game and adding more inconsistency in its flow. Even in implementation, mixed reactions arose with full acceptance by some leagues while being fought by the crowd and the players themselves in some.
Although debates about the VAR are ongoing in Norway, the technology remains an integral part of many top domestic leagues in the world. It was first used in a friendly match between Italy and France in 2016, and the following year, it became officially a part of the laws of football. Ever since its inception, the technology has been widely used in high-profile tournaments, including the 2018 World Cup and various European domestic leagues.
What’s Next?

It is during March 2025 that the NFF will take a crucial decision regarding VAR in Norwegian football. The clubs, through this vote, have given their opinion. However, it is the NFF that will have the power to override this decision. In case the decision stands, Norway will become a part of those countries that have chosen to reject VAR after receiving mixed results and protesting fans.
Meanwhile, the Norwegian Football Federation must navigate how to alleviate the fears of fans, clubs, and even players to keep the game honest and enjoyable without denying the facts on the field.
The increasing concern about VAR among football fans in Norway presents the dilemma between the technical advancement and the emotional attachment of the people to the sport. While VAR is intended to increase fairness and accuracy, the disruptions it causes, especially regarding fan violence, have led to significant pushback. The decision on VAR will shape the future of how technology is integrated into the game in Norway as the country moves forward. The situation reminds one that while technology can assist in refereeing, it must be implemented in a way that preserves the essence and enjoyment of football for all involved.