Video assistant referees, fourth substitute approved for World Cup

Video assistant referees (VAR) have been approved for use at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) announced the decision Saturday after its 132nd annual general meeting.

IFAB also approved the use of a fourth substitute in extra-time.

“The International Football Association Board (The IFAB) unanimously approved the use of video assistant referees (VARs) at its 132nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) that took place at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich today,” a statement released by IFAB read.

“This landmark meeting, chaired by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, represents a new era for football with video assistance for referees helping to increase integrity and fairness in the game.

“Prior to taking its decision, the members of The IFAB (the football associations of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as FIFA, representing all other national football associations) were presented with the results of the independent analysis of the use of VARs conducted by Belgian university KU Leuven since the beginning of the VAR experiment in March 2016.

“The philosophy of VARs is ‘minimum interference – maximum benefit’ which aims to reduce unfairness caused by ‘clear and obvious errors’ or ‘serious missed incidents’ in relation to:

1. Goal / no goal

2. Penalty / no penalty

3. Direct red card (not 2nd yellow card/caution)

4. Mistaken identity (when the referee cautions or sends off the wrong player of the offending team)”

Despite criticisms trailing the VAR system, Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, has continued to defend it and assure of its effectiveness.

“I was extremely sceptical personally on VAR, but we tested it, and I personally came quite a long way,” he recently said.

“I can guarantee our referees which will be at the World Cup will be ready. They have trained for the last two years.”

VAR was used at the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2017.