Is Open VAR Ending? DAZN's Referee Show Facing Closure

Key Takeaways

• The program "Open VAR" is absent from DAZN's newly presented schedule for the 2026-27 Serie A season.
• Launched in 2023, the format focused on referees and dialogues from the VAR room.
• The absence of the show has sparked significant controversy among viewers and followers.

The Uncertain Future of Open VAR: A Blow to Transparency?

As the football world prepares for the 2026/2027 season, a cloud of uncertainty has gathered over one of the most daring experiments in sports broadcasting. "Open VAR," the specialized DAZN program dedicated to the granular analysis of refereeing decisions and the internal dialogues of the VAR room, appears to have vanished from the platform's latest programming announcements. For three years, the show served as a bridge between the opaque world of officiating and the passionate fans of Serie A, but that bridge may now be dismantled.

According to reports from Siamo la Roma, the program may have reached its natural conclusion after debuting in 2023. The format was designed to demystify the decision-making processes of match officials, offering a unique window into the high-pressure environment of the VAR room. However, as DAZN presents its schedule to accompany the upcoming Serie A campaign, there is currently no trace of the program, leading many to believe that the experiment in transparency has failed or been intentionally shut down.

The Conflict Between AIA and DAZN

The potential closure of Open VAR is not merely a scheduling oversight but the result of deep-seated institutional friction. Research indicates that the Association of Italian Referees (AIA) and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) have been reviewing the program's impact. According to Archysport, the program is under intense review by both the FIGC and the AIA, with some officials arguing that the show may actually be contributing more to confusion than to clarity.

This sentiment is echoed by La Stampa, which reports that the program may not be confirmed because it has become a "source of confusion rather than clarification." The core of the conflict lies in the interpretation of the rules; while fans appreciate seeing the dialogue, the AIA reportedly believes that the public dissection of these conversations leads to endless debates and misunderstandings of the Laws of the Game, rather than providing the definitive answers the program promised.

Further reports from Ligaolahraga.com highlight a direct conflict between the AIA and DAZN, noting that the AIA specifically disagrees with the format of the show. This institutional pushback suggests that the desire for secrecy or controlled communication within the refereeing body has outweighed the broadcasting goals of DAZN.

Institutional Overhaul and the FIGC's Role

The timing of the program's potential demise coincides with a broader restructuring of Italian officiating. According to Kombi.id, the removal of Open VAR is linked to a massive overhaul of the AIA's refereeing structure being led by the FIGC. This systemic reorganization suggests that the FIGC is seeking a fresh start in how referees are managed and how they communicate with the public.

Moreover, Calcioefinanza suggests that the risk of closure is tied to ongoing investigations into referees. The internal desire within the AIA to either terminate or significantly downsize the format on DAZN is reportedly maturing, as the organization seeks to protect its officials from the scrutiny that comes with weekly public analysis of their mistakes and justifications.

Reaction and Public Controversy

The omission of the show from the official lineup has sparked significant backlash. As reported by CalcioNapoli24, the absence of Open VAR has "opened the doors to many controversies." For the average supporter, the program was more than just a talk show; it was a tool for accountability. In a league where refereeing decisions often dictate the outcome of title races and relegation battles, the transparency provided by Open VAR was seen as a step toward modernizing the sport.

The silence from DAZN regarding the specific status of the show has only fueled speculation. While the platform has outlined its broader coverage for the new season, the lack of a confirmation for Open VAR suggests a permanent shift in content strategy. The program had become a focal point for fans seeking to understand the "why" behind controversial calls, and its removal is viewed by many as a step backward for the transparency of Italian football.

The Legacy of Open VAR (2023-2026)

Looking back at its three-year run, Open VAR attempted to solve one of football's most enduring problems: the perceived bias and mystery of the VAR room. By hosting key figures from the refereeing world to analyze the day's most controversial incidents, the show provided a level of access previously unseen in Serie A. It allowed the public to hear the logic—or lack thereof—behind the decisions that changed the course of matches.

However, the very nature of the show—highlighting errors and debating interpretations—made it a target for the officials it sought to humanize. The tension between the need for public transparency and the professional desire for privacy among referees created an unsustainable environment. As Sassuolonews notes, the FIGC and AIA are seriously reflecting on the opportunity not to renew the program for the 2026/2027 season, effectively making the current year the final chapter of the format.

Conclusion: A Shift in Strategy

The potential loss of Open VAR marks a significant shift in how the 2026/2027 season will be presented to the audience. While DAZN continues to focus on its expansive Serie A coverage, the removal of a format designed to bridge the gap between the VAR room and the public suggests a return to a more traditional, less transparent broadcasting model. Whether this move will reduce confusion or simply increase frustration among fans remains to be seen, but the era of "Open" refereeing in Italy appears to be drawing to a close.