VAR to be Used in the Knockout Phase of the 2018/19 Champions League

Following lengthy debates about using video technology in Europe’s biggest club competition, UEFA finally decided to introduce VAR in the Champions League, online sportsbook news report. But what’s striking is that they have agreed to make use of VAR already in this current season.

After a successful run of technological testing and the necessary training of match officials, UEFA announced at an Executive Committee in Dublin they’re going to install VAR from the round of 16 of the Champions League.

Additionally, VAR will also be made use of in the Europa League Final 2019, Nations League Finals 2019 and the final tournament of the European Under-21 Championship 2019.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin highlighted the introduction of VAR will elevate the game by reducing controversial decisions that have come into question on many occasions in the past. Caferin said:

“We are ready to use VAR earlier than initially planned and we are convinced that it will be beneficial for our competitions as it will provide valuable help to match officials and will allow to reduce incorrect decisions.”

VAR was first used in last summer’s World Cup in Russia, where it showed great effectiveness in decisions that were too uncertain for some referees. However, the system also showed flaws as it was involved in quite a bit of controversy at the very end of the tournament.

Nestor Pitana – the main referee of the final between France and Croatia – couldn’t make up his mind about a perceived handball by Ivan Perisic in the penalty box, which required him to look at the footage twice before ultimately awarding a penalty to France that shifted the match into their favour.

Man City boss praises UEFA’s decision to introduce VAR

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was quick to weigh in his opinion about VAR’s introduction to Europe’s elite competition. He highlighted how it will help reduce controversial decisions like the one that was his side wrongly awarded a ridiculous penalty against Shakhtar Donetsk in last year’s edition of the Champions League.

“I’m delighted with that, so delighted,” stressed the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager. “The Premier League is the last one so sooner or later it will happen here in England.”

“The second goal against Shakhtar (in the Champions League) was a ridiculous penalty,” said Guardiola. “But it’s not to talk about my benefit or what happened last season with Mateu Lahoz.”

The final group games of the Champions League will be played this week, and all Man City need is a draw against Hoffenheim at home, which will ensure they progress to the knockout phase as the winners of Group F. With the match set to be played at the Etihad Stadium, the Sky Blues are the unquestionable favourites per online sportsbooks in UK.

Man City v Hoffenheim – H (1.14) 1/7 D 8.00 (7/1) A 15.00 (14/1)

(For more info about the online betting site, check out Bet365 Sportsbook review.)