Martin Atkinson, a seasoned former Premier League referee renowned for his effective leadership on the pitch, embarks on a new chapter as VAR Manager for the Scottish FA to elevate Scotland's officiating standards.
Martin Atkinson, a highly regarded former Premier League referee known for his strong presence on the field, has been appointed as the new VAR Manager for the Scottish Football Association. Having an impressive career of over 450 top-level English matches— which ranks him just behind the renowned Mike Dean— Atkinson retired from active refereeing in 2022 and has now embarked on an important and new role across the border.
Atkinson's move to the Scottish FA represents more than just a change of location; it marks a significant development in the management of VAR in Scotland. He takes over the role previously held by Jon Moss, a former colleague at PGMOL, who has recently become the head of referees for Football Australia. In this strategic position, Atkinson collaborates with Willie Collum, Scotland's head of refereeing, to advance the country's VAR initiatives.
Reflecting on his appointment, Atkinson expressed his excitement for the new challenge, acknowledging the remarkable progress Scotland has made with VAR under Collum's leadership. "I am eager to take on this exciting new challenge and have been impressed by the significant advances Scottish football has made in VAR implementation since Willie arrived. I look forward to continuing that work and supporting Willie, the match officials, and the team at the Scottish FA."
This new phase for Atkinson represents not only his dedication to improving officiating standards but also a larger evolution in the technology that continues to influence modern football. His vast experience and deep understanding of the game's complexities make him well-equipped to handle the challenges associated with VAR oversight, ensuring that the system continues to be an asset rather than an obstacle to the beautiful game.
