FIFA is pushing the boundaries of technological assistance for referees, launching a trial of Football Video Support (VS) at the upcoming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia. This simplified system offers a cost-effective alternative to the widely used Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.
The decision follows a successful trial at the Blue Stars/FIFA Youth Cup in Switzerland. While VAR enjoys extensive adoption, FIFA recognizes the need for a more budget-friendly option for some member associations.
Here’s how VS differs from VAR:
No Dedicated Review Team: Unlike VAR with its Video Match Officials, VS relies on the coaches.
Limited Review Opportunities: Coaches have a set number of challenges per match for clear and obvious errors in crucial calls like goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity.
“VS fulfills a need for a more affordable technology in competitions with budget constraints,” explains Pierluigi Collina, Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee. “While VS and VAR address similar incidents, they cater to different scenarios.”
The initial trial at the Youth Cup involving 36 matches proved positive, paving the way for a larger-scale test at the U-20 Women’s World Cup.
This tournament, running from August 31st to September 22nd, will be a valuable opportunity to assess VS’s effectiveness in supporting referees and potentially offering a more accessible path to tech-assisted officiating.
Leave a comment