ZNSS explains: VAR worked correctly, the Olympic shot is valid (VIDEO)

The Slovenian Association of Referees (ZNSS) has clarified that the goal scored by Josip Urbančič of Olimpija during their match against Maribor was valid, confirming that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system functioned correctly. The game ended in a 1-1 draw after both teams failed to secure a win. The decision came amid public debate over whether Urbančič was offside when he scored in the first half, with some fans questioning the accuracy of the offside lines displayed on television. Following the match, concerns were raised regarding the positioning of the offside lines and how they appeared visually compared to the actual markings on the pitch. In response, ZNSS emphasized that the lines used during the match were technically accurate and aligned with established protocols. According to the association, the blue defensive line was placed based on the position of the last defender who was on the ground, making an additional vertical projection unnecessary. Meanwhile, the red line indicating the attacker's position was determined using the shoulder line and then projected vertically onto the playing surface. Based on these measurements, ZNSS concluded that Urbančič was not in an offside position at the time of scoring, thereby validating the goal. Despite this confirmation, the organization decided to release footage from the VAR system, even though such releases are generally discouraged. This move aimed to address public confusion and provide transparency into the decision-making process. Hawk-Eye Innovations, the company behind the VAR technology used in the match, further explained that the confusion among viewers stemmed primarily from the perspective of the television cameras. These cameras are typically positioned diagonally above the field rather than directly in line with players and the offside line. As a result, the two-dimensional image captured can create distortions in the perceived angles and positions of players and lines. According to Hawk-Eye, the VAR system does not rely solely on the visual representation from the television feed but instead uses a pre-calibrated three-dimensional model of the pitch. This means that a line which appears parallel to another on the field might not look parallel on the screen due to the camera angle. If an operator were to simply draw the offside line to appear parallel to one of the field’s lines on the two-dimensional image, it could end up being incorrectly positioned in reality. ZNSS reiterated its stance that the verification process carried out by the VAR system was free of technical errors and that the decision to award the goal was correct. The explanation provided by the refereeing body and the technology provider aims to offer a professional interpretation of the incident, which sparked discussions among spectators and within the football community following the match. The release of the VAR footage and the detailed explanations from both ZNSS and Hawk-Eye aim to clarify the situation and reinforce confidence in the accuracy of the technology used in modern football matches. The incident highlights the ongoing need for education among fans about how the VAR system operates and why discrepancies can sometimes arise between what is seen on television and the actual decisions made on the field.