Serie A’s bold VAR shake-up set to impact Christian Pulisic and Milan after 2025 FIFA Club World Cup trial – Premier League to follow
As Christian Pulisic gears up for his third season with Milan, both he and his Rossoneri teammates are set to face a game-changing new development in Italian soccer. The 2025-26 Serie A campaign will usher in a bold, transparent communication shift, one that will already be replicated in the Premier League next season. And while the full scope of these adjustments remains under wraps at kickoff, their impact is expected to be immediate and far-reaching.
After years of controversy surrounding VAR decisions in Italian soccer, Serie A’s governing bodies have taken the leap toward real-time transparency. Beginning this season, referees will announce VAR decisions directly to fans in stadiums and on television, providing context and clarity for some of the most debated moments in matches.
“The big news for next season will be on-field announcements. The referee will be able to explain the decision made after a VAR intervention directly to the stadium and on TV,” said Serie A’s chief referee Gianluca Rocchi in comments to TMW. “This is an important step forward in communication, which we have been managing transparently. Now, however, the explanations will be in real-time, in front of everyone.”
From confusion to connection: Why the change matters
This landmark move follows years of frustration from players, coaches, and fans who have been left in the dark during crucial game-altering decisions. In some infamous instances, VAR’s lack of clarity turned post-match discussions into heated debates. These moments underscored the need for clear, live communication from officials — not just decisions handed down without explanation.
Now, fans inside the stadium and watching on TV will hear directly from the match referee after any VAR intervention. The style of delivery will vary, but officials are being trained to standardize the language and message as much as possible. There is no rigid time limit, Rocchi confirmed, stating the quality of communication would be the priority.
“We have a selected group and want to standardize language and content to be clear with the public,” Rocchi continued. “We won’t impose strict time limits because every referee has their own style. The goal is to be transparent, not robotic.”
MLS, FIFA, and the Premier League: Growing global trend
This format was pioneered in MLS and trialed during the FIFA Club World Cup, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback. Now, Serie A joins that movement — and so too will the Premier League, beginning in the same 2025-26 season. In January, English referee Stuart Attwell made history by becoming the first to announce a VAR decision in real time during a Carabao Cup clash between Spurs and Liverpool.
Rocchi emphasized that Italy will build on these examples but also keep its own nuances. “The best referees are those who make decisions on the pitch, regardless of VAR,” he added. “Technology is a tool — not a replacement for human responsibility.”