The lack of video referees is causing debate in the DFB Cup. The German referee boss is open to reform.

Referee boss Knut Kircher can imagine the use of video assistants in the DFB Cup in the future, starting from the first round—but only in a slimmed-down form. “It would be a solution to introduce a kind of VAR light in the first two rounds of the cup. A video referee who only has access to normal TV images and can thus prevent blatant misjudgments with a quick glance,“ Kircher told the ”Bild” newspaper.
However, the 56-year-old pointed out some uncertainties in implementing a VAR reform in the DFB Cup. “It would be necessary to clarify whether FIFA would go along with it, how those responsible for the DFB Cup would view it, and whether the clubs would also agree,” Kircher said. He himself is open to any kind of possible innovation. “We referees are very willing to discuss solutions with those involved and to join in the discussion. We are also open to other ideas and approaches. Everyone needs to sit down at the table and work out a solution,” said Kircher.

Referees under criticism

After a number of, in some cases glaring, misjudgments in the second-round matches, there was significant criticism of the referees and increasing calls for the earlier use of VAR. Due to structural and financial challenges, VAR will only be available from the round of 16 onwards. Because the high technical costs and logistical effort would pose insurmountable challenges for the amateur clubs participating in the cup, the referees are left to their own devices and their assistants in the first two rounds. This often went wrong on Tuesday and Wednesday. “A situation has been created in which referees are often no longer able to officiate a game without VAR. That’s alarming,” criticized former national soccer player Dietmar Hamann, noting: “The referees are simply overwhelmed by the situation because they have no additional backup.”

Hamann calls for uniform rules

At the same time, the 52-year-old Sky expert called for a uniform approach in the future in his column. “It’s not acceptable to only use the technology from the third round onwards. Either you play the entire competition with VAR, or you play the entire competition without it,” Hamann said.

He was particularly bitter about FC Bayern’s equalizer in their 4-1 win in Cologne, which Luis Díaz scored from a clear offside position. “But if you don’t see Luis Díaz’s offside as a referee, then you have no business refereeing at this high level,” Hamann complained.