Netherlands marks ten years of VAR in professional football

The Netherlands marks ten years since the first live implementation of Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR) in competitive football. The milestone traces back to a KNVB Cup match between Ajax and Willem II on September 21, 2016, where referee Danny Makkelie changed a yellow card to a red card for Anouar Kali following a recommendation from VAR official Pol van Boekel.

Since its official incorporation into the international Laws of the Game in 2018, VAR has become standard across major European leagues. In the Dutch Eredivisie, the system has been present in all matches since the 2018/19 season.

While the technology has evolved, challenges regarding consistency and interpretation remain. According to the KNVB, the number of incorrect VAR decisions has seen a downward trend, dropping from 26 in previous seasons to 21 in the 2025/26 period. Refereeing chief Raymond van Meenen noted that while the system has developed significantly, the primary referee remains the main decision-maker, with VAR serving as a safety net.