Euro 2024 could start without important VAR checking

Euro 2024, set to take place in Germany, may witness a significant alteration in the handling of offside calls. According to The Sun, there’s a possibility that VAR offsides could be omitted entirely from the tournament, which kicks off with the host nation facing Scotland on June 14.

The potential change follows a claim by Dutch company Ballinno, asserting that their offside detection technology concept was unlawfully replicated. Semi-automated offside decisions, utilizing a microchip embedded in the Adidas matchball to enhance accuracy, were set to feature prominently in the event.

However, Ballinno filed a patent infringement lawsuit against UEFA and Kinexon, the latter of which collaborated closely with Adidas to develop the technology. Ballinno alleges that their patented method, focusing on a chip in the ball communicating directly with the referee’s earpiece, was copied without authorization.

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A hearing is scheduled for June 3, where Ballinno seeks an injunction that could potentially lead to the elimination of VAR offsides this summer, despite UEFA’s significant investment in the technology.

While UEFA remains composed regarding the situation, expressing confidence in VAR’s status for the tournament regardless of the lawsuit’s outcome, the final decision rests with the impending judicial proceedings overseen by three judges.