Var-breakdown causes excitement: Wolfsburg wins against Mainz in chaos!

Var-breakdown causes excitement: Wolfsburg wins against Mainz in chaos!

A dramatic Bundesliga game between VfL Wolfsburg and FSV Mainz 05 ended on December 9, 2024 with a 4: 3 victory for the Wolfsburg, which caused great discussions. The decisive goal was only in the fourth minute of stoppage time, which heated the minds of the Mainz supporters. It was particularly annoying that the German Football Association (DFB) had to admit the next day that, despite a long review process, the VAR could not provide any clear evidence of an offside position from Jonas Wind. According to Alex Feuerherdt, head of communication at DFB-Schiedersrichter GmbH, it was not possible to pull a calibrated line on the field due to the many defenders on the field that could clarify whether a Mainz player was closer to the goal line. The result also left the referee decision unchallenged, since doubts about the offside position could not be proven sufficiently, such as ZDF reported .

tension up to the last second

VfL Wolfsburg climbed to a Europa League place through this victory after they had fallen behind three times and still won the game. However, this achievement not only ensures sporting joy in Wolfsburg, but also legitimate questions about the dogmatic decisions of the var. In the past, too, there have been similar incidents in which the technical review was possible - for example in the duel between Eintracht Braunschweig and VfL Osnabrück. These incidents are now increasingly raising questions about the reliability of the video evidence.

Financial aspects of the club

An additional aspect that should not be missing in the discussion is the financial support of VfL Wolfsburg by Volkswagen AG. This partnership, which comprises an overall annual funding of around 75 million euros, has significantly shaped the club since its promotion to the Bundesliga in 1997. The close connection to the automotive group not only ensures sporting success, but also asks the question of the interests of VW and its importance for the future of the association. The overhead costs for the operation of the association remain under lock and key, but the influence of VW is undeniable, such as Transfermarkt This analyzes .