"An app for spectators in the stadium can be an aid. The idea phase for this has been completed, we are now in a planning phase and are asking ourselves how the implementation can succeed,", said the former referee and current DFB head of innovation Jochen Drees. He expects a VAR app to be launched "in the course of the second half of the season at the earliest".
When the video referee intervenes, the fans in the arena - and probably also those in front of the screens - should be given more insight. Possibly, spectators will also be able to access video sequences. "The gold standard should simply be that stadium visitors and TV viewers see the same images during VAR situations. The fan in the stands should be on the same level as the TV viewer."
Currently, according to Drees, a number of questions still need to be clarified. "Among other things, this also involves distribution rights. And the system must work perfectly in the stadium," said the 53-year-old. "If stadium visitors then only look at their smartphones, that would not be helpful," he added.
Most recently, the DFB announced its intention to follow the English example of greater transparency in VAR interventions. The communication between the referees and the video assistants is to be made public. However, there are still "many questions", said Drees. For example, possible legal problems and which platform should be used for this.
Is it used as a decision rating system? To gauge the immediate public opinion for if a ref got the decision right and how var can improve going forwards. If so expect some strong bias from the home fans.