Get it on

Google Play

Download on the

App Store

Get it on

Google Play

Download on the

App Store

Home

Football

Football News

Antonio Lopez Habas Calls VAR a Game-Changer for ISL

"I believe the ISL needs VAR", Antonio Lopez Habas Calls VAR a Game-Changer for ISL

Samannay Sen

Modified - Feb 24, 2026, 06:42 AM

4 min

Add

As Preferred Source

"I believe the ISL needs VAR", Antonio Lopez Habas Calls VAR a Game-Changer for ISL

Summary

Antonio Lopez Habas said referees must be respected, even if decisions in the clash against FC Goa were debatable.
He stressed that key calls can change match outcomes & officials need more support.
Habas urged the Indian Super League to introduce VAR to ensure fairer and more accurate decisions.

Inter Kashi kicked off their ISL campaign with a gritty 1-1 draw against FC Goa in a fiercely contested encounter that had drama written all over it. The match took a decisive turn when Inter Kashi goalkeeper Lluis Tarrés was shown a straight red card for bringing down a Goa attacker inside the penalty area, conceding a spot-kick in the process. Reduced to ten men, Inter Kashi had to dig deep to salvage a point from the clash.

In a major relief ahead of their upcoming fixture, the AIFF’s review committee has overturned the red card, downgrading it to a yellow-card offence. The reversal means head coach Antonio López Habas will have his first-choice goalkeeper available for the upcoming showdown against Odisha FC, strengthening Inter Kashi as they look to build momentum early in the season.

Introduction of VAR in ISL

When asked whether the level of refereeing and officiating remains consistent, Inter Kashi’s ISL opener against FC Goa inevitably comes into focus. Inter Kashi's Spanish tactician shared his insights on this.

“I don’t want to talk about the referees. Coaches all over the world say the same thing: we can’t influence the referees’ committee.
In my opinion, that particular incident was neither a penalty nor a red card. I believe there was a foul on the striker before the contact with the goalkeeper. But in the end, we have to accept the referee’s decision.
The referee is the highest authority on the pitch. Once the decision is made, it’s not possible to change it on the spot, and we must respect that.”

Antonio Lopez Habas added that VAR plays a crucial role in making decisions that decide the outcome of the game. Habas elucidated his thoughts, mentioning that referees and officials should be provided with more assistance using technology to avoid crucial mistakes.

“But we also have to help the referees more, the players and the coaches must support them. We need to work together and be responsible on the pitch.
At the same time, I believe the ISL needs VAR, Video Assistant Referee. It’s essential. In almost every country with a professional league, VAR is used to review key decisions. So why not in the ISL? With proper analysis and technology, it would help ensure more accurate decisions and support the referees in crucial moments.”

The Disadvantage of Not Playing in Kashi

Inter Kashi will miss their home advantage as their stadium is still under construction. The newly promoted side will play their home games in the Ekana International Football Stadium in Uttar Pradesh. When asked about how not playing at your traditional home ground affects the team’s mentality and overall performance, Habas replied.

“I think we have to focus on controlling the things that are within our control. That’s what matters. And yes, it’s a record. As far as I know, only one team in history has played all its matches away from home: Inter Kashi. That’s another achievement for us.”

Inter Kashi will be aiming to secure all three points when they take on Odisha FC, who enter the competition with a revamped squad. An exciting clash awaits in the Indian Super League at the Kalinga Stadium, with both sides determined to claim a crucial victory and build early momentum in the campaign.