Exploring Controversies of VAR in Soccer

The recent World Cup sparked numerous controversies related to video assistant referee (VAR) decisions, including a disallowed goal for Egypt and questionable offsides calls. These incidents have raised questions about the effectiveness of VAR in enhancing fairness in soccer.

The 2026 World Cup has been criticized for its lengthy replay reviews, which some argue detract from the game's theatricality. The ongoing debate centers on whether VAR improves officiating or complicates it further.

In a recent episode of Only If You Get Caught, the discussion featured the infamous Hand of God goal by Diego Maradona, which serves as a focal point for examining the evolution of the game and the role of technology. The conversation suggests that while cheating exists in soccer, it can sometimes be viewed in a different light depending on the context.