VAR decisions explained on speakers at Club WC

The Club World Cup started with a clear sign of superiority in favour of African Champions Al Ahly - they beat Oceania champions Auckland City 3-0, who managed to put up a fight with their defensive approach right up until the end of the first half, and they lacked attacking nous to stay in the tie.

Additionally, the game made history in terms of refereeing. Chinese Ma Ning, the referee for the match, went down in the history books of football.

This is because the man in the middle, for the first time ever, explained to the fans his decision on loud-speaker after consulting the VAR. More precisely, it happened in the closing stages when the New Zealand side's defender Adam Mitchell fouled an attacker from the opposition, and the referee initially gave a penalty. He then, after consulting the VAR, overturned his decision.

Real Madrid will be the first La Liga club to play a game with this new tool.

February 1, 2023