FIFA introduces new VAR support system

FIFA is looking to develop a new system to improve refereeing decisions by replacing VAR with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. The new system is similar to the challenge system in basketball, giving coaches the right to challenge referees’ decisions they believe are wrong. According to a report in the French newspaper L’Equipe, FIFA is seriously considering adopting the system after testing it in the Under-17 and Under-20 Women’s World Cups. The system allows coaches to submit at least two challenges per match against certain refereeing decisions. It was approved by the International Football Association Board in March, but FIFA is still testing it in some tournaments to see how effective it is. Pierluigi Collina, chairman of FIFA’s refereeing committee, confirmed that the trials in these tournaments will be carefully analyzed, adding that the system is not a complete replacement for VAR due to the limited number of cameras it uses, which limits the ability to view multiple angles that VAR provides. A report is expected to be submitted to the board, which will decide whether to expand the trial, with some leagues interested in taking part, although their names have not yet been revealed. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is likely to be a vocal supporter of the system after his side suffered several controversial refereeing decisions this season, including red cards for Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard for what officials deemed to be time-wasting, and fans criticising William Saliba’s red card against Bournemouth. The new system could be welcomed by some clubs, while others believe that the best solution is to scrap VAR altogether.