Crisis of VAR in Liga 1: players and coaches demand immediate solutions.

La Liga 1, the most important professional football championship in Peru, has been at the center of controversy in recent weeks, especially regarding the use of VAR (Video Assistant Referee System). The technology, which was implemented to assist referees in making crucial decisions, has faced criticism and doubts from coaches, players, and now also from journalists. In this context, Coki Gonzales, a well-known journalist from Latina, has further ignited the flames of controversy by questioning the effectiveness of VAR in Liga 1 matches. During a segment of the program 'La Polémica', Gonzales made the surprising claim that VAR is not functioning correctly and that there are those who "act oblivious" regarding its implementation. "I've received a little gossip that VAR doesn't work and they are acting clueless. They have been advised to go to stadiums with fiber optics," he commented, hinting that there are technical problems preventing the optimal use of this tool. Gonzales's words did not go unnoticed and generated immediate reactions among the program's panelists. Sergio Ibarra, a former footballer and current analyst, supported the concern raised by his colleague, pointing out that the issues related to VAR are becoming increasingly evident. The statements from both reflect a growing frustration in the Peruvian football environment regarding a system that, in theory, should improve fairness and transparency in the game. One of the most discussed episodes from the last round of the Clausura Tournament took place in the match between Universitario and Sport Huancayo, where a goal scored by Williams Riveros was disallowed after a VAR review. Universitario's coach, Fabián Bustos, was visibly indignant, arguing that the decision was wrong and that before the alleged offside was called, a clear penalty had been committed against his player. "We all saw what happened; it's a corner. I think they ended up calling offside on Rivera, but before the offside, there was a clear penalty," Bustos stated, reflecting the discontent many feel toward the use of VAR. The problems are not limited to this match. Every weekend, fans and clubs face similar situations in different games, leading to an atmosphere of distrust regarding the use of technology. The situation is further complicated when considering the various stadiums and possibly the infrastructures that may not meet the requirements for the proper functioning of VAR. The suggestion that it is "recommended to go to stadiums with fiber optics" implies that this technical aspect could be one of the main reasons why the system sometimes fails. In the tournament, results have varied, and matches have left a trail of intense emotions but also of controversial decisions. For instance, in the match between Deportivo Garcilaso and Alianza Atlético, the result was 0-1, and in the game of Sport Boys against Los Chankas, the final score was 2-1, but the controversies surrounding VAR overshadowed many individual and collective performances of the players. As the Clausura Tournament progresses, the pressure on referees and VAR intensifies. Coaches like Bustos continue to raise their voices, while fans demand justice in the game. There is a growing call for adjustments to ensure the integrity of the sport while maintaining the excitement that fans expect in every match. However, the solution to these problems does not seem straightforward. The implementation of technology in sports has always been a complicated process, and Liga 1 is no exception. A thorough analysis is necessary, and likely a review of the current protocols to ensure that VAR fulfills its function effectively and fairly. In the meantime, the debate over the reliability of VAR and its impact on Liga 1 will remain a hot topic, with each football match providing new chapters in this saga of controversy. Monitoring the upcoming matches will be crucial to see if corrective measures are taken or if the situation remains in the limbo of uncertainty.