UEFA confirms VAR for round of 32, but defer use in group stage to 2021

The UEFA announced the postponement of the application of the VAR in the group phase of the Europa League until the 2021-22 season, but confirmed its use in the qualifying rounds of the next 2020-21 season starting in the round of 32, as well as in the resumption of the second round of this season.

The Executive Committee adopted this decision, “given the current uncertainties caused by the epidemiological crisis, which may have an impact on operational capabilities, and since additional staff may be required to direct the service, which in turn may have an impact on the UEFA Return to Soccer Protocol. “

“However, the VAR remains confirmed for the knockout phase of the 2020/21 season competition from the round of 32, and will continue to assist the referees in the resumption of the 2019/20 round of 16, “he added in a statement.

UEFA recalled that according to original planning, the VAR was due to enter the Europa League from the 2020/21 seasonStarting with the group phase and it is in September 2019 when the Executive Committee “based on a positive feasibility assessment, decided to introduce it as early as the 2019/20 knockout phase.”