Italy/Serie A TIM: "We can't offer the Open VAR service live" (S. Azzi, DAZN)

"The reaction to the introduction of the Open Var service has been very positive, as it has opened the way to greater transparency. But we can't do it live. The referee has to make decisions based on what has happened, so we have to wait and see. We will also work within the rules, but this is a first step and there has been a great deal of openness," said Stefano Azzi, CEO of OTT platform DAZN Italy, at the Wired Next Fest Milano 2023 event on 08/10/2023.

DAZN has launched the "Open VAR" format in Italy, in collaboration with FIGC and the Italian Referees Association (AIA), to analyse the decisions taken by referees during Serie A TIM matches. The first broadcast took place on 24/09/2023 after the Torino FC - AS Roma match (1-1, Matchday 5 of the 2023-24 Serie A TIM).

"It's a service that has had a huge impact. There's a strong desire to experience sport behind the scenes. Thanks to the FIGC, AIA and Lega Serie A we launched this service by coupling visuals with audio. In my opinion it allows you to have two things: first of all training by explaining what the VAR can or can't do…