Euro 2022: Sweden’s Asllani calls VAR a “disaster” due to reduced number of cameras
Swedish forward Kosovare Asllani has criticized the video assistant referee (VAR) at the Women’s Euro 2022 for using “50 per cent fewer cameras” than in the men’s game.
It is understood that Sweden wrote to UEFA to register their displeasure after Rebecka Blomqvist’s goal against Switzerland in the group stage was ruled out by VAR for offside.
England play Sweden on Tuesday night in the semi-finals of the competition and Asllani, 32, will be available after missing training on Sunday.
But speaking before the match, she criticized UEFA’s decision to have fewer VAR cameras in operation.
“Well, to use 50 percent fewer cameras in our tournament than in the men’s game, that’s really a disaster because the decisions can’t be made with the same precision,” she said.
“It’s not just for us, there are other teams. There are situations where you should have more cameras and that can be really crucial.
“I think it’s strange because I like VAR, I think it’s fair when they have it, but if we have a game where they make a mistake, because they draw the line on the wrong side, and we heard that they haven’t the same number of cameras, for me that is not acceptable.”
Manager Peter Gerhardsson added: “If you’re talking about the complaint that our staff did it is obvious, we haven’t seen it ourselves but a Swedish judge at home in a studio (Jonas Eriksson) pointed out that they drew the line incorrectly… . then you incompetent at your job.
“There shouldn’t be any difference if it’s women’s or men’s football. It’s not good enough that there are goals disallowed like that when the VAR is incorrect.
“My feeling is that sometimes we rely too much on VAR. Let’s hope they have looked at improving themselves for the semi-final tomorrow.”
Sweden have played two matches at Bramall Lane — where Tuesday’s semi-final takes place — and one at Leigh Sports Village. Leigh, where Manchester United play their home games in the WSL, is usually used for rugby league.
They were missing two players in training yesterday – Jonna Andersson and Olivia Schough – while England are in full form.
The Athletic has approached UEFA for a comment.
(Photo: Catherine Ivill – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)