Will FIFA 23 have VAR?


FIFA 22 still has a few months left in the cycle, with the Team of the Season promo about to drop in Ultimate Team.

However, FIFA 23 is fast approaching, and it looks likely to be the last game produced by the EA and FIFA partnership.

So, read on to find out whether we'll see VAR introduced to EA's next title.

FIFA 23 Release Date

There is no official release date for FIFA 23 yet, but we still have a good idea of when to expect it.

FIFA 22 was fully launched on Friday, 1 October 2021, so if EA follows the same trend, then Friday, 30 September 2022 could be our FIFA 23 release date.

Expect to be able to access the game sooner than that via a possible Beta or Demo, 10-hour EA Play trial, then Early Access for pre-orders for those who buy the Ultimate Edition of the game and the Web App from Tuesday, 27 September.

VAR

Will we see VAR introduced? Probably not.

None of the leaks surrounding FIFA 23 has mentioned it yet, and it could be an unnecessary addition to the game.

Although it would bring more realism to the game, it would also require the AI to make incorrect decisions, which isn't what we want.

Goal-line technology was introduced in FIFA 15, but is used for graphic purposes rather than ruling decisions.

NO GOAL - Goal-line technology is already in the game, but will VAR join it?
click to enlarge
NO GOAL - Goal-line technology is already in the game, but will VAR join it?

You are able to score with an offside player, start celebrating, then see a late flag to rule it out, so perhaps VAR could be introduced in this way, for offsides only.

It would create tension when scoring a goal, with the possibility of it being ruled out - or even overruling an incorrect flag from the linesman.

However, if it is used to bring back play to an earlier foul in the build-up, we would much rather it be given at the time of the incident.

For more articles like this, take a look at our FIFA page.