A collective of fan groups across Germany, spearheaded by Bayern Munich’s Südkurve, has launched a coordinated campaign calling for the permanent abolition of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in both the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal.
Per a report captured by @iMiaSanMia, a joint statement was circulated via email ahead of the new cup campaign, in which supporters pointed to the VAR-free environment of the opening domestic cup fixtures as the standard German football should return to permanently:
In the first round of the DFB Pokal now getting underway, we’ll see football as it should be played: without VAR, and therefore authentic, immediate and full of emotion. We want to return to this state permanently and are therefore calling for the abolition of the Video Assistant Referee in German football.
The initiative goes beyond organized fan protests in the stands, explicitly aiming to provide political backing for executive decision-makers who share their dissatisfaction. This fan-led push comes shortly after FC Augsburg managing director Michael Ströll voiced public opposition to the current implementation of video refereeing. According to background details provided in the email sent to Südkurve’s circuit, internal dissatisfaction with video reviews is beginning to surface within boardroom level across several clubs:
“There are currently rumours that some club executives are also becoming increasingly unhappy with it [VAR] and would even be prepared to submit a motion to the DFB to abolish the video review altogether, or at least significantly restrict its use.”
The email also reportedly included an active petition that fans could sign to officially show their support for the movement.
Do you think German football should eliminate VAR entirely to preserve stadium atmosphere, or would removing video technology cause even greater officiating controversy? Let us know in the comments!
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