The Influence of the VAR Technological Innovation System on the Course of Events in Futsal Matches

This article explores the impact of the video assistant referee (VAR) system on futsal matches, particularly focusing on its role in assisting referees in decision-making. As the global development of information technologies influences various sectors, including sports, the integration of these technologies into futsal has become essential. The study examines how the VAR system, already employed in football, can potentially improve refereeing accuracy and reduce errors in futsal, where quick decisions are crucial due to the fast-paced nature of the game. The research includes data from two major events: the Ukrainian futsal cup and the 2024 Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan. The experiments analysed the problems of decision-making by referees in key match situations, including goals, penalties, red cards and player identification. The study found that the VAR system significantly impacted decision-making in both tournaments. It was found that during the first tournament of the final part of the Ukrainian Cup, the referees made one mistake. The correctness of the judges' decisions was 83.3%. During the second tournament of the Futsal World Cup final, three decisions of the referees were rejected by the VAR system, and the correctness of the referees' decisions was -72.7%, and the final analysis of both tournaments showed the correctness of decisions at the level of -76.4%. At the same time, the VAR video support system eliminated these referee errors. The average time spent on reviewing controversial episodes is close to the duration of a one-minute break, which coaches are allowed to use once per half. Therefore, the use of an innovative system for a more detailed examination of controversial moments fits harmoniously into the course of a futsal match. The article concludes that the use of VAR in futsal improves the accuracy of refereeing decisions, though its application requires careful consideration to minimize its potential negative consequences and enhance its positive impact on the game.