PSG v Toulouse to trial referee microphones for VAR explanations in Ligue one | OneFootball

Referee Éric Wattellier will wear a live microphone during PSG v Toulouse on Friday at 20:45, explaining VAR-related decisions to supporters in the stadium and viewers at home. The trial is being run by the LFP and could be repeated before the end of the season.

The Parc des Princes will host the trial as it opens matchday 28 of Ligue one. According to L'Équipe, Wattellier’s mic will be activated remotely by VAR official Mathieu Vernice from the supervision centre, and certain explanations will be broadcast live to the crowd and the television audience, including the pre-match coin toss.

Toulouse midfielder Aron Dönnum voiced doubts, suggesting explanations will not necessarily improve acceptance among players or fans. Even so, the initiative aims to aid public understanding. The system is already commonplace in the Bundesliga and the Premier League this season.

The refereeing department has long backed the idea, though costs and, to a lesser extent, uneven stadium technology had delayed it. After IFAB’s approval in early 2024, director of refereeing Antony Gautier said officials were trained specifically for this exercise and are ready to operate.

Gautier welcomed the launch in Ligue one and said he would like to see it extended to every matchday across all stadiums next season, if the trial proves conclusive, arguing that any step which improves understanding of decisions should be encouraged.

PSG head coach Luis Enrique took a positive view, saying he is open to anything that can improve football and that clearer explanations for supporters, players and coaches would be beneficial.

Source: L'Équipe