In a first for French football, fans watching Paris Saint-Germain's Ligue 1 clash with Toulouse at the Parc des Princes on Friday night will be able to hear exchanges between match officials over video assistant refereeing (VAR) decisions in real time, as part of an experiment to help make calls more transparent.
The central referee, Éric Wattellier, will be equipped with a microphone that will be remotely controlled by members of the VAR team supervising the match.
They will deploy the technology for Ligue 1+ viewers watching at home as well as supporters in the stands during the pre-match coin toss with the PSG and Toulouse captains.
It will also be switched on when the VAR team signals infringements that Wattellier and his three other officials have missed.
The move comes as part of a drive to give fans a better understanding of what takes place between officials.
"By making exchanges between the central referee and VAR clearer, the system aims to enhance the experience for stadium spectators and TV viewers," said a spokesperson for the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), which organises the top two divisions in France.
Antony Gautier, director of refereeing at the French Football Federation, welcomed the test, which he said the federation first proposed to the LFP in February 2024.
"The refereeing department is fully committed to a process of innovation and education," he said. "In this context, public announcements following the use of VAR represent a significant step forward.
"Any initiative that improves understanding of refereeing decisions deserves to be encouraged."
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Evaluation before further rollout
In January 2025, the German Football League launched a pilot project where referees explained VAR decisions to the stadium spectators via loudspeakers. Nine clubs volunteered to participate in the scheme, including Bayern Munich.
Rugby union stands out for transparency over decisions. During test matches, referees' conversations can be heard by TV viewers and stadium crowds throughout the entire match, including explanations to players and exchanges with assistant referees and video officials.
At the end of Friday's match in Paris, a review will assess the success of the trial. Depending on the findings, further experiments might be carried out at more Ligue 1 games next season, said the LFP.
"I'm always open to things that can improve football," said PSG head coach Luis Enrique.
"If the referee can explain his decisions to the fans, players and coaches, I think that's positive. I'm open to anything that can make football better and that everyone can enjoy."
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Following Friday night's game, which could send Enrique's men four points clear at the top of France's highest league, PSG will continue the defence of their Champions League crown with the first leg of their quarter-final against Liverpool at the Parc des Princes.
"It's good when the last two months of the season arrive and you're still in the competitions with a chance of winning," added Enrique.
"The players are aware of the importance of these matches. On Friday against Toulouse, we need to win to show that we're ready and that the team wants to win."
