The much-anticipated analysis of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) interventions in the 2024/25 La Liga season has finally been released, and it paints a troubling picture of the state of officiating in Spanish football. As published by Diario AS, the report reveals a record-breaking number of VAR decisions, raising serious concerns about the competence of referees and the reliability of the technology that was introduced to improve the fairness of the game.
For context, VAR was officially introduced into La Liga during the 2018/19 season. Its primary objective was to correct “clear and obvious” mistakes by on-field referees and to assist in key match-defining moments such as goals, penalties, red cards, and cases of mistaken identity. While the system has been embraced globally, its implementation in Spain has been riddled with inconsistencies and, as this season shows, a record number of interventions.
This season alone, there have been 189 VAR interventions, surpassing the previous high of 179 recorded during the 2022/23 campaign. It is the highest number ever seen in the league’s history, indicating not just the growing reliance on VAR but also the increasing number of errors made by match officials in real time.
Out of the 189 total interventions, 86 were related to penalty decisions, which marks another unwanted record. The previous high was 74 penalties awarded via VAR in the 2020/21 season. These figures confirm that not only are referees making more mistakes, but the technology is being forced into action more frequently than ever before.
In terms of goal reviews, VAR intervened 62 times this season. While goals are among the most scrutinized aspects of the game, the high number reflects growing skepticism among fans, pundits, and players about the credibility of the calls being made on the pitch. Additionally, 40 red card decisions were altered following VAR reviews, further highlighting the inability of officials to get critical calls right during live action.
Even more baffling is the single case of mistaken identity, where VAR had to step in to correct the referee’s confusion. While rare, such incidents strike at the core of officiating credibility in a league that boasts some of the best clubs and talents in the world.
When it comes to which teams gained or lost the most from these interventions, the statistics are just as controversial. FC Barcelona had 16 decisions go in their favour, with only 7 going against them. On the contrary, Real Madrid saw just 9 favourable VAR decisions compared to 16 that went against them.
These numbers have reignited the endless debate among fans about institutional bias in Spanish football. Barcelona supporters argue that the high number of favourable VAR calls simply corrected wrong decisions made against them on the field. On the other hand, Real Madrid fans claim that referees often fail to intervene when it would benefit their team, alleging selective usage of the technology.
Online fan forums and social media platforms have exploded with opinions. One comment from a Barcelona Live reader read: “More wrong calls were given against Barca originally by the refs. VAR corrected these wrong calls. On the flip side, RM got more wrong calls in their favor which were later corrected by VAR. This shows complete bias by the refs against Barca and favoritism towards RM.”
Another fan, posting under the name Wynter_Catalan, bluntly stated: “Meaning if not for VAR, Real Madrid would win the league for wrong calls in their favour.”
These heated discussions aren’t just limited to fans. The implications of such statistics extend to league standings as well. A recalculated La Liga table that removes the impact of VAR decisions suggests Real Madrid should have earned more points, potentially leading the title race, while Barcelona would have dropped lower in the standings. If verified, this raises serious integrity concerns and questions the legitimacy of the season’s results.
The situation begs the question — is VAR fixing problems or merely highlighting the deeper flaws in Spanish refereeing? The alarming rise in interventions suggests that rather than supporting officials, VAR has become a crutch for referees who are either unprepared or incapable of making accurate decisions under pressure.
Furthermore, VAR itself is not immune to controversy. Numerous instances this season saw the technology either failing to intervene when it should have or making decisions that remained highly debatable despite multiple video angles. The inconsistency in how and when VAR is used has made fans lose faith in what was once hailed as the solution to football’s most frustrating injustices.
The consequences of these issues are far-reaching. In a league that is struggling to maintain its global reputation amidst competition from the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Serie A, the perception of unfair officiating could have long-term effects on viewership, sponsorships, and the overall quality of the competition.
La Liga’s governing body has yet to issue a statement addressing the findings of this report. However, many experts believe a structural overhaul is long overdue. There are growing calls for better referee training, increased transparency in VAR operations, and perhaps even the involvement of an independent body to review officiating standards.
One possible step forward is to allow in-game audio communication between referees and VAR officials to be broadcast, similar to what is being tested in other leagues. This could help demystify controversial decisions and foster more trust among fans and stakeholders.
Until such reforms are introduced, VAR in La Liga may continue to be a source of frustration rather than a solution. For now, Spanish football fans must endure yet another season clouded by controversy, confusion, and a seemingly unending cycle of refereeing mistakes.
As we head into the next campaign, the pressure will be on La Liga officials to restore credibility and ensure that the technology designed to bring justice does not become a tool for chaos.
