VAR in Austria
Future of VAR in Austria clarified: Sportec Solutions becomes new technology partner
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has been in use in the ADMIRAL Bundesliga since the 2021/22 season. In recent months, the future of VAR in Austria has been the subject of intense debate and careful consideration by the ÖFB and the Bundesliga. Now, the tension between economic opportunities and differing interests has been resolved, clarifying the way forward for the referee support system, which was originally set to run until the end of the season: the use of VAR in the ADMIRAL Bundesliga and the UNIQA ÖFB Cup has been secured for the long term, costs have been reduced, and a renowned partner with a high-quality offering has been secured.
Starting next season, Sportec Solutions will be the new technical service provider. The joint venture of the German Football League has a bunch of top-notch international references. The system is used in the German Bundesliga, the Spanish La Liga, the Liga Portugal, and the US MLS, among others. The contract was signed for a total of eight seasons, with a one-time exit option for the Bundesliga after four seasons.
Bundesliga CEO Christian Ebenbauer: "The introduction of VAR has made soccer fairer, despite all the controversy that still surrounds it. With this in mind and in the interests of professional championship operations, the clubs have decided to continue with VAR, even in times of financial challenges. With Sportec Solutions, we will have an international flagship company from the world of soccer at our side from next season onwards, which will provide our referees with a professional system."
Ali Hofmann, Head of the ÖFB Referee Department: "In Sportec Solutions, we have found a partner in the VAR sector that is continuously developing in line with Austrian refereeing and is future-oriented. It was important to us to find the best overall package in terms of quality together with the Bundesliga. The long-term commitment shows that Sportec Solutions is striving to operate sustainably. This offers the opportunity for Austrian soccer, referees, and technical innovations in the VAR sector to develop further in order to be internationally attractive and competitive."
Christian Holzer, CEO Sportec Solutions AG: "The agreement with the Austrian Soccer League and the ÖFB is a strong sign for the future of professional soccer in Austria. The fact that we will be able to implement VAR with our Vieww system over the next eight seasons confirms the confidence in our technology and operational quality. For Sportec Solutions, it is particularly valuable from a strategic perspective to accompany this market in the long term, further develop innovations, and set sustainable standards in refereeing."