Augsburg backs fan protests against VAR FC Augsburg has joined fan protests calling for the abolition of VAR in professional football. CEO Michael Ströll criticizes its implementation and demands its removal. The team finished last season in 9th place in the Bundesliga with 43 points from 34 matches (12 wins, 7 draws, 15 losses).

Why VAR faces criticism in Augsburg Ströll argues that while VAR was introduced to make football fairer, in practice it creates new debates. «We've seen that VAR often creates new discussions instead of resolving old ones», he told 'Kicker'. The emotions in the game are lost due to VAR, which damages the fundamental idea of football.

Protests in the DFB Cup Fans from various clubs plan protests against VAR during DFB Cup matches. «In the first cup round, we see football as it should be: without VAR and thus authentic», reads a call. Ströll supports this view and emphasizes that VAR has not functioned as intended for nine years.

What's next? FC Augsburg will host FC Schalke 04 on August 30, 2026. The debate about VAR is likely to continue as many fans and clubs demand a return to more authentic football.