Earlier in Basel and Sitten, decisions on the field have repeatedly proved unfavorable. It was mostly about when VAR intervened and when it didn’t. “This topic evokes a lot of emotions. Statements made immediately after the game are often treated with some detachment,” Claudius Schaefer said in an interview with Keystone-SDA.

However, the CEO of the Swiss Football League (SFL) sees the need to act. “VAR should only intervene in cases of clear and obvious wrong decisions. In my opinion, this important intent has not been applied as consistently this season as it was in the first phase after the introduction four years ago.”

Should referees be accompanied?

It is important for the league’s CEO that the season is carefully analyzed. “It is important to clarify the question of whether the refereeing team should be accompanied.” In the beginning, the referees were assisted by former FIFA referee Helmut Krug, who, along with project manager Reto Heuselmann, was in charge of the performance. Their term of office has expired.

Exchange is important

Schaefer also suggests that referees and players exchange information more often in a neutral environment and thus become closer again. “It seems to me that the relationship between referees and players used to be less complicated,” said the 51-year-old. “Perhaps, during the game, borderline words were said, but after that you could always shake hands and part without being offended.”

On Friday, the refereeing committee of the Swiss Football Association will sum up the season at a press conference.

(passed/ed.)