Sweden rejects implementation of VAR in its main leagues

Swedish football has not had the video referee system implemented and, after a process of research and meetings, this story is not going to change anytime soon. The Swedish Football Association (SvFF) announced that VAR will not be adopted in the two main divisions of local football. The statement was made by Fredrik Reinfeldtthe entity’s president.

In an interview with the newspaper 'Aftonbladet', the president stated that the decision was made due to the clubs' own rejection. “We will not present the application to the body responsible for applying new technologies, due to the clear opposition of our clubs. This is in compliance with the democratic rules that govern the movement of our football. That’s why we won’t use VAR”he said.

By 2023, Reinfeldt had shown himself as an enthusiastic video referee. According to him, VAR was an ideal change to adapt to the future of the sport and, as it was not adopted in Sweden, he was in favor of its implementation. However, in the recent interview, he stated that his previous statement was based on the obligation of UEFA by technology, which did not happen.

The president shared some figures about the research carried out among the country's main clubs and also stated that the decision does not appear to be temporary. “If I counted correctly, we have 18 clubs in the elite and two regional federations who have said they will not introduce VAR. We respect that. And we don’t see that in the future either.”said Fredik Reinfeldt.