Belgian Referees to Explain VAR Decisions in Stadiums
Belgian football is set for a major transparency overhaul as the Pro League announced on Wednesday that referees in the Jupiler Pro League will soon explain VAR decisions directly to stadium audiences, following a trend already adopted at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and in the English Premier League.
The initiative, announced on July 15, aims to reduce frustration among fans and players by making video assistant referee rulings more understandable. According to the Pro League, as reported by De Morgen, the new system will be rolled out in two phases beginning with the 2026-27 season.
Two-Phase Implementation
Phase 1 will take effect from Matchday 1 in early August 2026. During every VAR check, the phase being investigated — such as a potential penalty, offside, or red card incident — will be displayed on big screens in the stadium and on television broadcasts. After the check, the referee’s decision will be shown visually on screens, giving fans immediate clarity on what was reviewed and what was decided.
Phase 2, which could begin as early as after the September international break, represents the more significant change. When a referee makes a final decision after an on-field review, they will explain it via the stadium microphone. This phase requires additional preparation, as referees need specialized communication training to deliver clear, concise explanations under pressure.
“With this innovation, the Pro League wants to make communication around VAR decisions clearer,” the league stated, according to Sporza. “This should ensure more transparency, a better match experience, and more trust in refereeing.”
Language Choice for a Multilingual Nation
Reflecting Belgium’s linguistic diversity, the home team will have the choice of language for the referee’s explanation: Dutch, French, or English. This flexibility acknowledges the country’s three official languages while also accommodating international audiences and matches involving foreign teams.
All visuals for the system will be broadcast from Tubeke (Tubize), the headquarters of the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA), onto stadium screens and television broadcasts.
Following a Global Trend
Belgium joins a growing list of football authorities adopting in-stadium VAR explanations. The system was notably used at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, where referees explained red card decisions and other major calls via stadium microphones. The English Premier League introduced similar measures for the 2025-26 season after a successful trial in the Carabao Cup.
“They were also introduced in the Premier League last season,” the Pro League noted. “With the introduction in the Jupiler Pro League, Belgian professional football also joins in more transparency in refereeing.”
Additional Rule Changes
Alongside the VAR announcement system, the Pro League is adopting World Cup rules on time-wasting. Substituted players will have 10 seconds to leave the field; if they take longer, their replacement must wait at least one minute before entering. Injured players receiving medical treatment must leave the field for one minute, unless the injury resulted from a yellow or red card offense. Referees can also penalize teams that take too long to restart play.
Not all World Cup rules are being adopted, however. Covering the mouth will not automatically result in a red card, though referees can still card for unsporting behavior. Drinking breaks will not be mandatory but can be introduced in high temperatures.
Broader Implications
The Pro League framed the initiative as part of a broader effort to improve the matchday experience. “Football is about emotion and decisions after a VAR check usually have a major impact on a match,” the league said. “That’s why we find it important that supporters not only know what has been decided, but also why.”
The move could significantly reduce the frequency of protests and delays caused by disputed VAR decisions, while also educating fans about the nuances of VAR protocols. The 2026-27 Jupiler Pro League season is scheduled to begin in early August.