The writer is founder of Sifted, an FT-backed media company covering European start-ups
When the Cameroonian striker Vincent Aboubakar extravagantly scooped the football over the head of the Serbian goalkeeper into the back of the net, he thought he was offside. More importantly, so did the linesman. Aboubakar’s celebrations only kicked off when the video assistant referee suggested otherwise, helping Cameroon stage a thrilling comeback in their World Cup match in Qatar on Monday.
Before the introduction of VAR, Aboubakar’s goal would not have been allowed. Had it been in operation in Mexico in 1986, VAR would surely have ruled out Diego Maradona’s infamous “hand of God” goal against England, when the Argentine punched the ball over the line. On such decisions, made and unmade, hang footballing destinies, national mythologies and the emotions of millions of sports fans around the world.
