German football fans launch campaign to abolish VAR

German football supporters from various clubs are launching a coordinated campaign to demand the abolition of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology. In a joint statement, fan groups argue that VAR has “destroyed the most emotional moment of the game” and disrupted the natural rhythm and intensity of football. They are calling for a return to an authentic, immediate playing experience.

Protests are expected during the opening rounds of the DFB-Pokal. While VAR is not being used in the first round due to technical and financial constraints, fans intend to use these matches to voice their opposition before the technology is reintroduced in the second round. Support for the movement has been noted from club officials, including FC Augsburg’s managing director, who expressed similar concerns regarding the technology's impact on game flow and the creation of new controversies.

Separately, the DFB is investigating incidents of violence and chaos during a DFB-Pokal derby between Waldhof Mannheim and 1. FC Kaiserslautern. The match saw pitch invasions and the use of pyrotechnics, resulting in 85 injuries and significant disruption to the event.