Gianpaolo Pozzo has welcomed the launch of the brand-new centralised VAR hub in Lissone.
Udinese have always been at the forefront of the push for the introduction of VAR in Italy, with the aim of guaranteeing maximum objectivity in refereeing decisions.
“Congratulations to Serie A and to FIGC, who have always worked towards this,” said Pozzo. “Yesterday’s launch is another step forward in the development of technology in football. It shows that today – as 15 years ago – there is a desire to guarantee equal judgement while preserving the role of the referee, who remains the central figure in terms of match officiating.”
It was back in the early 2000s that trials began in Udine with the aim of supporting referees in the toughest in-game decisions, reducing the margin of error and ensuring fairness.
“For over 20 years, our club has pushed for technology to help referees,” said Pozzo. “Personally, I’ve always been in favour of the most cutting-edge methods available, and the first trials took place here in Udine, when we played Reggina in December 2006. FIGC will strive to promote experimentation and advocate for it at the highest level of world football. The creation of the centralised VAR hub represents the next step in our journey towards the best possible usage of this resource, which helps to clear up borderline incidents. The referees – and football as a whole – will undoubtedly benefit from any assistance offered to them by technology and progress. Referees must view VAR as an aid, not as something that diminishes their authority on the field of play.”