{
  "id": 2099807,
  "title": "VAR protests expected throughout DFB Pokal games this weekend",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/var-protests-expected-throughout-dfb-pokal-games-this-weekend",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-20T08:20:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/var-protests-expected-throughout-dfb-082000341.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Protests are anticipated during this weekend's DFB Pokal games as fans demand the removal of VAR technology from football matches. Kicker reports that 64 teams, from the Bundesliga to the Oberliga, will participate in Germany's national cup competition. Despite VAR not being employed in the initial round, supporters of several clubs are already voicing their discontent to abolish the technology entirely. A joint statement signed by supporters from various clubs asserts that the emotional essence of football is being eroded by VAR. They argue that the introduction of the technology has disrupted the game's authenticity, intensity, and rhythm, resulting in lengthy interruptions that hamper the flow of football. The supporters also lament the loss of the most emotional moments in the game, which they believe have been adversely affected by VAR. Benjamin Schmedes, the Director of Sport and a member of the Bundesliga management board, emphasized that the primary objective of using VAR is to strengthen referees' decisions and ensure uniform interpretation. However, the supporters maintain that VAR has fundamentally altered the character of the game, and they persistently call for its discontinuation in German football.",
  "summary": "As reported by Kicker, there is expected to be large-scale protests throughout the DFB Pokal this weekend, as fans demand the abolishment of VAR.Throughout the weekend, 64 teams ranging from the Bunde...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}