VAR, new pitch and world-class lighting for Celtic clash

Telia Parken will feature VAR for the first time when F.C. Copenhagen face Celtic in the UEFA Europa League on 20 February.

This will be the first time FCK can also present the new LED lighting installed in Telia Parken during the winter break, as well as a new hybrid grass pitch, which is currently being laid.

VAR debut in the Europa League
This is the first time UEFA will use VAR (Video Assistant Referee) in the Europa League. In September 2019, UEFA's Executive Committee decided to introduce it in the spring knockout stages and from next season it will also be introduced in the Europa League group stage.

VAR must be used for clear and obvious errors in four game situations that can be crucial to the match: penalty kicks, goals, player confusion and direct red cards.

The final decision is always made by the referee, who can decide to watch events on a TV screen on the sidelines between the two benches. Therefore, the refereeing team is expanded with two VAR judges who, like the line officials, assist the referee.

Hybrid pitch
The decision to lay a hybrid pitch in Telia Parken comes on the recommendation of the expert group STRI, who also advise UEFA on pitch conditions. The pitch will contain 95 percent natural grass and five percent artificial grass, increasing the pitch's tolerance and stability.

New stadium LEDs
The new LED lighting system in Telia Parken is supplied by Musco Lighting, who have also made lighting for clubs such as FC Barcelona and Tottenham. Telia Parken now lives up to the highest international standards, and the lighting can in new ways become part of the entertainment at the stadium.

>> Read more about the new stadium lights in Telia Parken