VAR is not the problem. Human error and lack of consequences are. If the consequence of suspension for 10 games from a blatant error would be enforced the VAR and the on field referee would check plays with a magnifying glass.
Yup, as a tool VAR is definitely useful and beneficial, but in the hands of the wrong refs it turns out to be an even better and more efficient way of manipulating games and to turn them upside down as they see fit.
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Just as you said, if there would be more serious consequences that could perhaps make a difference, however the main problem is that the ones who dictate this things are the very ones who have the interest in manipulating certain decisions and outcomes.
Something must and should definitely be done about preventing this type of blatant errors that end up deciding the outcome of a game, maybe more AI as you said, maybe harsher consequences, either way i don’t see much of a change coming anytime soon i’m afraid.