FIFA approves FVS as a simplified alternative to VAR technology

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has officially approved the introduction of a new refereeing system, the Football Video Support (FVS), as an alternative to the widely used Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology.

Unlike the current VAR setup, FVS simplifies the review process and introduces a coach-driven challenge system.

FVS, which requires only four to five cameras and eliminates the need for direct video intervention from officials, allows coaches to challenge refereeing decisions twice per match.

If a challenge proves successful, the coach retains the right to request additional reviews.

However, an incorrect challenge results in the forfeiture of any remaining opportunities to use the system.

Pierluigi Collina, chairman of FIFA’s Referees Committee, expressed cautious optimism about the new system.

“We are at the early stages of testing, and we will carefully analyze its use during the FIFA U-20 and U-17 Women’s World Cups. So far, we have not encountered any unexpected issues,” he said.

FIFA began testing FVS in youth tournaments, and early results have been promising, according to sources cited by the Catalan outlet Mundo Deportivo. The system relies on coaches prompting referees to review controversial decisions.

Unlike VAR, where video assistants proactively alert the on-field referee, FVS empowers team managers to request reviews based on their assessment of the play.

This approach, however, has sparked debate.

Critics argue that coaches may miss crucial moments that could benefit their teams or misuse challenges in situations better left to the referee’s discretion.

Advocates, meanwhile, praise FVS for reducing technical overhead and allowing greater engagement from coaching staff.

The transition from VAR to FVS is expected to undergo rigorous testing across various competitions before being fully implemented.

If widely adopted, the FVS system could reshape how football handles contentious decisions, emphasizing simplicity and coach involvement while maintaining the integrity of the game.