Norway 1st country to scrap video refereeing

Norway is set to become the first country to abandon VAR after 19 of its 32 clubs today voted to scrap video refereeing in the country’s top division.

Following a four-month consultation period involving clubs, players and supporters’ groups, clubs from Norway’s first and second tier voted on whether to scrap VAR and outcome of the vote has now led to a recommendation that the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) rubber stamp the result of the poll.

The NFF is now expected to make a final decision in March, although sources have told ESPN that the governing body could yet overrule the vote.

Norway’s top division, the Eliteserien, introduced VAR in 2023, but fans across the country have been vocal in their opposition to the system.

Earlier this season, Rosenborg’s game against Lillestrom was abandoned because supporters threw fishcakes onto the pitch in protest at VAR. Other fixtures were interrupted by champagne corks, croissants and tennis balls being thrown onto the pitch.

The fan unrest led to the consultation period and the prospect of the NFF scrapping VAR.