FIFA to test video assistant referees at Club World Cup

FIFA is to test video assistant referees at the Club World Cup in Japan to support referees with “match-changing” decisions. This will be the first time such a technology is used in a FIFA competition.

“This represents a big step forward in terms of testing the technology, order ” says Marco van Basten, site FIFA’s Chief Officer Technical Development.

“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 unchartered 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 tournament takes place between 8th and 18th December.

This trial will involve video assistant referees (VARs) being given access to all broadcast feeds inside a video operations room, enabling them to provide information to the referee on the field of play in order to correct clear mistakes in “match-changing” situations. These include serious incidents including goals, penalty decisions, direct red cards and cases of mistaken identity. The VARs will play a supporting role along with the assistant referees and the fourth official, but the referee will continue to take the first as well as the final decision on the field of play.

“The VAR system has been developed, just like goal-line technology, to provide additional support for the referee,” says FIFA’s Head of Refereeing Massimo Busacca. 

“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.”

With the support of FIFA and The IFAB, competition organisers in 12 countries are already confirmed to participate in the two-year experiments (Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Portugal, Qatar, USA).

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