According to the French media “Le Parisien,” Ligue 2 may be forced to abandon the use of VAR next season due to the overall decline in French league revenue. The league’s even worse financial situation could lead to this move.
The newspaper wrote that due to the overall decline in league revenue, the highest leaders of the French Football Federation have asked all members to “save wherever possible, save as much as possible.” They are currently investigating all possible expenses, one of which involves the implementation of VAR.
Initially planned for 2023, it was a related service under a new contract with Hawk-Eye, the VAR provider for Ligue 1. During the off-season, Hawk-Eye installed its own systems at Ligue 2 stadiums. For over six months, Ligue 2 VAR referees have been undergoing special training to obtain FIFA certification, enabling them to use VAR.
With everything in place, considering the cost of VAR in Ligue 1 at around €7.7 million, combined with the current poor financial situation of Ligue 2, the league has had to reassess their previous plans. While nothing is confirmed, presidents of Ligue 2 clubs have already prepared for the possibility of not having VAR in the new season. The president of Reims FC expressed his doubts in an interview: “VAR is not cheap, should we continue using it?”
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