Videobeweis Fanproteste: Augsburg clubs rally ahead of DFB-Pokal

In Augsburg’s city square, banners proclaim “Gegen Videobeweis” as fans gather, signalling the Videobeweis Fanproteste ahead of the DFB-Pokal weekend. The atmosphere is charged, with supporters from several clubs ready to act.

The Aktion is organised by Fangruppierungen of various Vereinen, who have coordinated Aktionen across multiple Vereine. They plan large Protestaktionen during the DFB-Pokalspielen this Wochenende, targeting the Profifußball system. The aim is to showcase a unified front against the current VAR setup.

Supporters argue that the Pokalrunde should reflect pure Fußball, free from VAR interference, restoring the original Emotionen and Zustand of the game. Their Forderung includes the Abschaffung of the Video Assistant Referee, calling for the removal of both Video and Assistant Referee technology. They claim VAR has altered the sport’s character.

A quoted statement reads: “In the now starting first round we see Fußball as it should be, without VAR, authentic, immediate and full of Emotionen.” The document also references Fußball" as part of the campaign’s branding. Fans across the Deutschen league emphasize the need for change this Woche.

VAR schedule and upcoming changes

The current season sees VAR omitted in the opening Runde of the DFB-Pokal, but it will be introduced from the second Runde onward, a shift from its previous debut in the round of 16. The league also expands VAR duties, allowing intervention on clear second‑yellow errors and correcting mistaken player cautions. Im next phase, clubs will decide whether to support the call for abolition. Die decision will shape the future of the competition.

Official perspectives on VAR

Benjamin Schmedes, Director of Sport at Schiri GmbH, said, “We want to minimise the time we spend on the screen and ensure a healthy uniformity in interpretation.” Jochen Drees, Leiter Video‑Assistenten, added that UEFA’s line is to “strengthen the referee and intervene only on clear, obvious errors.” Fu.

In February, Augsburger supporters displayed banners before the match against Heidenheim, under the motto “Der Videobeweis raubt uns die Freude am Fußball”. The protest highlighted the sentiment that VAR diminishes the joy of the sport. Der movement has inspired similar actions in other clubs.

Overall, the coordinated effort reflects a growing desire among Fans to reclaim the traditional rhythm of German football, challenging the continued use of VAR in future competitions.