Fifa to trial video assistant referees at Club World Cup in Japan to help with major decisions
Fifa want to take massive strides towards giving referees the best opportunity to make the right decisions
FIFA will test the use of video assistant referees to help with key decisions in games at the upcoming Club World Cup in Japan.
Champions League winners Real Madrid will be among the six teams involved, but here will be something new taking place at this year's tournament too.
Video assistance will be introduced to support referees with 'match changing' decisions such as offsides, penalty shouts and the problem of diving.
Speaking to .com, Fifa's Chief Officer Technical Development, former Holland player and manager Marco van Basten said: “We feel well prepared after setting everything up with the support of The IFAB, the host broadcaster Dentsu/NTV and Hawk-Eye – one of a number of providers that offer such technology. At the same time, it’s important to remember that we are entering somewhat uncharted territory here, given that we are going live for the first time. Ultimately, these tests should prove invaluable in terms of determining whether the processes are sound or whether any further refinements are needed.”
The trial involve video assistant referees (VARs) who will be given all broadcast footage inside an operations room which will allow them to watch clips of the incidents and provide information to the match referee so a correct decision can be made.
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Fifa's head of refereeing Massimo Busacca said: “The VAR system has been developed, just like goal-line technology, to provide additional support for the referee.
“We want the essential flow of the game to be maintained and, as always, the first and the final decisions lie with the referee. This is our philosophy, and these principles as well as the practical application of the technology have been explained and demonstrated to our match officials as part of an ongoing training programme.”
The trial at the tournament should all go to plan as both referee's and VARs have undertaken intense training programmes to make sure everything runs smoothly so that this new system can be introduced worldwide.
Its a huge step taken by Fifa who were held back by former president Sepp Blatter who did not want video technology to be introduced to the game claiming 'how far does football go?'
If successful then Fifa will want to push through the system so that it is introduced worldwide for other competitions and governing bodies to use.
Referees will also be able to watch footage from a pitch side monitor a key progression in making sure the right calls are made.
Pitch side monitors were tested in recent international matches with Italy v France in Bari and Italy v Germany in Milan back in September and November.