Implementation of VAR System for Slovakian Football Association

Implementation of VAR System for the Slovak Football Association

Goal Sport Technology’s VAR system is now operational for the Slovak Football Association (SFZ) at the Senec training center. The launch of full operations was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic but is expected to resume for official games in autumn 2020. Goal Sport Technology equipped the Senec facilities with the required servers, hardware, and software for VAR, including Video Operation Rooms (VORs) and field-based RRA stations, and will support SFZ referees in training and system use.

Implementation of VAR System for Slovakian Football Association — Tomáš Mókoš, VAR coordinator for Slovakia, in a specialized room in NTC Senec with colleagues during the operation of the off-line system. (author: ROMAN FERSTL, source: SFZ)

The VAR deployment began in 2019, with the establishment of the Senec VAR training center to prepare SFZ referees according to international standards. In early 2020, referees began offline training during a winter seminar, using VAR for live monitoring in preparatory matches. This phase included six-camera setups and video recording, allowing referees to gain practical experience in VAR without audio communication with the field.

Preliminary match filmed through the VAR system at the NTC Senec complex. (author: ROMAN FERSTL, source: SFZ)

Following this, SFZ will initiate online training, adding real-time audio communication with field referees and using on-field monitors for official reviews. This online phase can be implemented in lower-division and youth matches, with recorded training matches submitted to the IFAB/FIFA registry for certification. Once trained, referees will be able to officiate with VAR in Slovakia’s Fortuna Liga.

To support official VAR use in matches nationwide, Goal Sport Technology will deploy OB trucks in 2020, providing flexible mobile VAR operations across various league venues. SFZ’s long-term goal is to adopt centralized VAR technology, enabling remote officiating from a central location.