AI Referees in Football? Postecoglou Thinks It’s the Future!
In the aftermath of Tottenham Hotspur’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on 3 April 2025, manager Ange Postecoglou voiced significant frustration regarding the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, suggesting that football might soon be officiated by artificial intelligence (AI).
Controversial VAR Decision
The match’s pivotal moment occurred in the 69th minute when Tottenham’s Pape Matar Sarr appeared to score an equaliser. However, after a protracted six-minute VAR review, the goal was disallowed due to an alleged foul by Sarr in the build-up. Postecoglou criticised the extensive duration of the review, questioning the clarity of the “clear and obvious” error standard that VAR is meant to address.
Postecoglou’s Critique of VAR
Expressing his exasperation, Postecoglou remarked, “It’s going to be refereed by AI soon.” He further elaborated, “We might as well dispense with the players when some genius comes up with a game with no participants at some point. As referees aren’t refereeing.” His comments underscore a growing concern that the human element of refereeing is being overshadowed by technological interventions.
Impact on the Game’s Flow
Postecoglou highlighted the disruptive nature of lengthy VAR deliberations, noting that such interruptions are detrimental to the game’s rhythm and spectator experience. He stated, “You’re standing around for 12 minutes. It’s killing the game.” This sentiment reflects broader apprehensions within the football community about maintaining the sport’s dynamic nature amidst increasing technological oversight.
Broader Implications
The incident has reignited debates about the role of technology in football officiating. While VAR was introduced to rectify clear and obvious errors, its implementation has often led to prolonged stoppages and contentious decisions. Postecoglou’s remarks suggest a need to reassess the balance between technological assistance and the preservation of the game’s traditional flow.
Looking Ahead
As Tottenham prepares for upcoming fixtures, including a home game against Southampton and a Europa League quarter-final first leg against Eintracht Frankfurt, the discourse surrounding VAR and its impact on the sport is likely to persist. Postecoglou’s candid observations contribute to an ongoing conversation about the future of football officiating and the potential role of AI in preserving the integrity and enjoyment of the game.
