Slovakia’s VAR Implementation: A Blueprint for Football Leagues Worldwide

A clear goal and a challenging path. SFZ has set out to implement a centralized VAR system for the entire Slovak premier football league, the current Nike Liga. This multi-stage project marks a challenging journey toward a centralized VAR system capable of multi-game operation.

  • 2019 - Validation,Training and Preparation.
  • 2020 - Launch of Online System mode of video refereeing via OB vans.
  • 2024 - Centralized VAR Solution
Qualification of Video Referees in the Training Center in Senec, Slovakia
Qualification of Video Referees in the Training Center in Senec, Slovakia

Stage 1 - Establishing the Training Facilities in Senec
 

First stage of implementation of VAR system for Slovak football federation was to build 2 VOR rooms in training facility in Senec - Slovakia. The goal was to build a facility where referees can be trained for VAR system before using in in premium league but also using this facility for any future referee trainings.
GOAL Sport has implemented not only the software but turn key solution for 2 VOR rooms including pitch cameras.

Medved

“Goal Sport Technology’s design of the system, from the VOR to the OB trucks, including the on-field systems, camera setups, and referee review areas, have greatly improved our video reviewing. Goal Sport’s commitment has been key to the success of the VAR project.”

Vladimír Medveď

Slovakian Football Federation - Referee Development Manager and UEFA | Referee Development Manager

 

Stage 2 - Launch of VAR Officiating via OB Trucks

In June of 2020, GST deployed two OB vans requested by SFZ, enabling VAR officiating at any stadium in Slovakia and ensuring coverage for two simultaneous games. Goal Sport Technology delivered a comprehensive turnkey solution, including proprietary GS Software, equipment integration, hardware, cabling, and signal management.

Operating a VAR system in an OB van that routes multiple venues is a complex challenge, especially when managed directly by the client. Numerous factors can affect the system's functionality. To guarantee stability and impeccable performance during every match, GST implemented specific measures to mitigate potential issues.

OB Vans equipped with VAR System for multi-venue operation.
View of the OB Van's Video Operation Room
VAR System Referee Review Area
One of the VOR for VAR System Centralized in Banská Bystric
One of the Video Operation Rooms with the Centralized VAR System at the headquarters of the Slovak Football Association.

 

Stage 3 - Centralized VAR System

With the implementation of the Centralized VAR System in 2024, SFZ achieved VAR officiating for four simultaneous games.

The final stage involved establishing two centralized systems capable of processing video feeds from up to 16 cameras across six locations. This setup enables officiating for two matches from centralized VOR rooms, while OB vans handle two additional matches, allowing VAR to support four games at the same time.

Goal Sport provided not only the software but also equipped  two centralized VOR rooms with necessary hardware. For video transmission Slovak football federation partnered up with Orange, local network provider who together with Sunteq implemented technology from Appear.