SPORTS COLUMN

The Cost of Cheapness

Computer Systems Servicing | Sports Writer  

In big international tournaments like the Southeast Asian Games, athletes train for years to represent their countries. They sacrifice time, energy, and even personal comfort just to compete at the highest level in Southeast Asia. These games are supposed to show fairness, excellence, and unity.

However, some events in the recent SEA Games showed a serious problem. There was no Video Assistant Referee (VAR) used in important football matches because of cost constraints. This decision affected crucial moments in the games.

I strongly disagree with the idea that cost is a valid reason not to use VAR in professional-level tournaments. It is unfair to the athletes. If the SEA Games want to be respected as a high-level competition, then they must also use high-level standards. Fairness must never depend on money.

During the Philippines’ 2–0 win, player Dylan Demuynck had a goal disallowed because of a very close offside call. Without VAR, the referees could not properly review the play. A goal that could have counted was simply erased.

Even more serious was what happened in the women’s final. A Vietnamese player scored what many described as a clear and legitimate goal. Replays later showed she was about two meters onside. Yet the goal was still disallowed. This mistake was so big that officials filed complaints to the Asian Football Confederation.

When tournaments like the SEA Games do not use VAR because of cost, they send a message that fairness is optional. That is not right. Athletes deserve equal and accurate judgment, especially in championship matches. If we allow these errors to continue, we are robbing Southeast Asian athletes of their dreams.

It is very frustrating to see this kind of situation. The SEA Games must make VAR mandatory for all football semifinal and final matches. If full VAR is too expensive for all games, it should at least be used in crucial knockout stages. Governments and football federations can also work together to share costs. Sponsors can help fund the technology since it protects the integrity of the sport.