German Football Fans Launch Petition Calling for VAR to Be Scrapped

A group of German football supporters led by Bayern Munich's Sudkurve have launched a petition calling for the removal of Video Assistant Referee technology from both the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal. The campaign reflects growing frustration among sections of supporters who believe football has become less spontaneous and emotional since VAR became a regular part of the game.

The supporters have particularly welcomed the decision to leave VAR out of the opening round of the 2025/26 DFB Pokal. They believe matches without video intervention provide a more authentic experience, allowing emotions, celebrations, and controversial moments to unfold naturally. For them, the absence of VAR represents the type of football they would like to see on a permanent basis.

Criticism has focused heavily on the frequency with which VAR becomes involved in matches. Supporters argue that repeated reviews and interruptions can disrupt the rhythm of games and reduce the drama that has traditionally made football so compelling. The involvement of technology can also create lengthy pauses while referees assess incidents or receive recommendations from officials operating the video system.

The campaign comes amid reports that some club executives may also be growing increasingly dissatisfied with VAR. There has been speculation that certain clubs could support proposals submitted to the German Football Association aimed at removing the technology altogether or significantly restricting when it can be used. Such developments could add pressure to the debate surrounding the future of video refereeing in German football.

VAR was first used in an international match between Italy and France on September 1, 2016, before being introduced to the Bundesliga during Bayern Munich's meeting with Bayer Leverkusen on August 18, 2017. Nearly a decade after its first international use, the technology remains controversial, with German supporters now pushing for a return to a game based more heavily on the decisions and emotions of the moment.