Sweden become first country to reject VAR after widespread club and fan pressure

Sweden becomes the only nation among Europe’s 30 highest-ranked leagues to ban VAR

Sweden have rejected VAR after widespread club and fan pressure. This has provided a lifeline to those who detest the technology.

A large number of the best clubs opposed the implementation of VAR, and as a result, the Scandinavian nation became the first country to reject it. Similar to Germany, at least 51% of Swedish clubs are owned by supporters, many of whom have been strongly against the technology.

Upon observing its implementation in other European leagues, fans of the game in Sweden, including two regional associations and 18 of the top 32 clubs in the nation, expressed scepticism about its potential improvements.

President of the Swedish FA Fredrik Reinfeldt told the local publication Aftonbladet:

“If I counted correctly, we have 18 elite clubs and two districts that have said they do not want to introduce VAR. We respect that. That’s why we didn’t bring forward any proposal about VAR to the previous board of representatives meeting and I don’t foresee it in the future either. I stand by respecting the democratic rules of the game.”

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There was earlier concern that VAR would be mandated by UEFA. However, it is acknowledged that the governing body would not impose any pressure on non-VAR countries to implement the technology.

Fans around Europe who are against VAR will be happy to hear of Sweden’s rejection. The technology has lost a lot of its appeal, especially in the UK where Premier League teams and supporters are fighting against what they consider to be inadequate system implementation.

Public reaction

“Well done Sweden, the resistance begins,” one X user said in response. Another wrote: “Incredible news, now let’s scrap it in England please”. A third said: “Good move. Wish rule-makers in the Prem would follow suit.”

Reinfeldt has come under fire from supporters for his position on the matter after declaring that VAR was “the future” last year. Due to the SvFF’s position, only the Allsvenskan among UEFA’s top 30 divisions will refuse to use VAR.

The 58-year-old claimed that at the time of his remarks, there had been talks about UEFA requiring the use of VAR.

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