Ligue 1 referee audio targeted for next season, Ligue 2 VAR remains on hold | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, Ligue 1 is aiming to introduce referee audio for VAR decisions next season, while VAR in Ligue 2 remains stalled.

A launch had been approved for 2024-2025 but was pushed back over cost, around 600,000 euros, and stadium works. Referees were trained, yet nothing followed in 2025-2026 amid tighter finances.

LFP Media chief executive Nicolas de Tavernost said progress with officials is encouraging and that microphones are targeted for next season so VAR rulings can be heard in stadiums and on broadcasts. He stressed this depends on stadium audio installations. Editorial director Jérôme Cazadieu said a test could take place before season end.

The LFP backs the long-promised move. Some venues still raise doubts over audio quality and broadcaster connectivity. The board is due to examine the plan in mid-April and could validate it.

In Ligue 2, a long-agreed rollout of VAR has never materialised and will not arrive in 2026-2027. The system, trialled since 2016 and authorised in 2018 by IFAB, reached Ligue 1 for 2018-2019 and is used in the Coupe de France from the quarter-finals.

It had been scheduled for Ligue 2 in 2024-2025 but was postponed amid shrinking TV income. With an annual bill of 3.7 million euros in Ligue 1, plus 1.4 million for goal-line technology, it is not a priority as the 78.5 million euros beIN Sports deal ends and DAZN’s 85 million euros indemnity disappears.

Source: L'Équipe