Serie A Head Of Referees Delivers Major VAR Update: “Referees Will Explain VAR Decisions In Stadiums During Games” | OneFootball

Gianluca Rocchi, Serie A’s head of referees, announced upcoming VAR changes heading into the 2025/26 season.

Speaking to TMW, Rocchi admitted the league will introduce one crucial change to an established system.

According to Gianluca Rocchi, Serie A referees will explain VAR decisions live in stadiums during matches.

This approach has been common practice in several leagues around the world.

Indeed, referees in the Russian Premier League and Major League Soccer have been doing this for the past 12 months.

At the same time, controversial VAR decisions have often sparked considerable debate in Serie A over the past few years.

Unfortunately, Inter frequently found themselves on the receiving end of those contentious calls.

Simone Inzaghi was often vocal in his criticism, expressing frustration over decisions that ruined Inter’s season.

However, there was nothing the Nerazzurri could’ve done to reverse those outcomes, as officiating errors remained beyond their control.

Gianluca Rocchi Delivers Major VAR Update

TORREON, MEXICO – FEBRUARY 19: Picture of the VAR system prior the 9th round match between Santos Laguna and Cruz Azul as part of the Torneo Clausura 2025 Liga MX at Corona Stadium on February 19, 2025 in Torreon, Mexico. (Photo by Manuel Guadarrama/Getty Images)

VAR decisions were often vague throughout the 2024/25 season.

Though the upcoming changes won’t affect the decision-making process, they will at least provide more clarity.

“The big news for next season will be on-field announcements,” Rocchi admitted.

“The referee will be able to explain the decision made after a VAR intervention directly to the stadium and on TV.

“This is an important step forward in communication, which we have been managing transparently for years,” he continued.

“Now, however, the explanations will be in real-time, in front of everyone.

“We will prepare thoroughly,” Rocchi added. “Especially from a communication standpoint.

“We have a selected group and want to standardize language and content to be clear with the public.

“There is no maximum time limit for on-field announcements because every referee has their own style, language, and reaction times.

“We still need to work on standardizing the content of the explanations.

“But we will not impose strict limits: the quality of communication will matter most.”