Cyprus Football Association reaffirms reliability of VAR technology

In October 2026, the Cyprus Football Association (KOP) reiterated its defense of the VAR technology used in local matches, citing an official analysis originally released on February 26, 2025. This move follows ongoing public and stakeholder criticism regarding the perceived inaccuracy of offside lines drawn during games.

According to the KOP, the system utilizes advanced software that operates through a precise, collaborative process. The VAR determines the positions of the potential offside attacker and the second-to-last defender, identifying the closest points to the goal line. The replay operator then inputs these points into the software, which generates the final lines. The federation addressed complaints about lines appearing non-parallel to field markings by explaining that perspective, camera angles, and lens distortion can create visual anomalies that do not reflect actual errors in the software’s technical calculation.

The federation maintains that the current technology remains among the most reliable in the industry. These clarifications were republished in response to recurring debates within the football community, aiming to reassure fans and officials about the integrity of the offside review process.