Champions League: Uefa consider fast-tracking VAR for this year's competition

UEFA are considering introduction of Video Assistant Referees (VAR) into the latter stages of this season's Champions League.

In September, the European football's governing body Uefa announced that VAR will be phased in from 2019.

However, for a number of weeks, Uefa has been deliberating on fast-tracking VAR.

Fears of game-changing mistakes in the biggest games, high-profile matches, coupled with the perception that VAR was a success at the World Cup, have prompted UEFA officials into a rethink.

On Wednesday’s Champions League game, a penalty was awarded to Manchester City against Shakhtar Donetsk, after Raheem Sterling appeared to trip himself up, is just the recent incident to attract criticism after a spot-kick was incorrectly given and converted.

Workshops and training for referees are currently going on across Europe but it is thought there is growing confidence within Uefa that a significant number of officials are now up to speed - enough to inject VAR into this season's latter stages.

A decision could be made known in early December when Uefa's executive committee next meets.

However, Alexander Ceferin, the Uefa president, has been confirmed as the only candidate for next year's presidential election.

Below is the football fans reaction 

@agentsuperdele has the following to say on this; 

I personally don’t like the introduction of VAR. Its a gradual 'kill' in the emotions, controversies and scenes that comes with the beauty game.

Remember 'the hand of God' is still talked about....that is what the selling point is...

However, I think stiffer punishment should be melted after (post-match) replays... It will help the growth and recurrence of such. I say NO TO VAR!

He continued: Football has gotten this many followership and been the number one game because its 'human govern' on and off the pitch. The emotions is the selling point there after the controversial aspect that builds the momentum of a game. Wenger said it....

Maybe by 2030 a robot will be the centre referee. Absolutely no error barring it gets virus...

England were the ones that pushed for the Goal line-technology because of what happened to them in the hands of Germany in 2010 World Cup. They are the masters of 'pushing' new inventions so as to 'favour' them...

VAR is the height of 'removal of human' error which is the name of football. 

I will suggest we have a magnetic boots too. 

@moe said “It should be implemented”