IFAB Expands Trials for Coach Challenges in Football: A Game-Changer?
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has officially approved expanded trials for Football Video Support (FVS), a groundbreaking alternative to the traditional VAR system. This decision, announced on Monday, could mark a significant shift in how football matches are officiated, giving coaches the power to challenge decisions on the pitch. Let’s break it all down and see what this means for the beautiful game.
What Is FVS and How Does It Work?
FVS, or Football Video Support, is a cost-effective alternative to VAR that allows coaches to challenge decisions during a match. Unlike the current VAR system, where reviews are controlled by a video assistant referee, FVS puts the power in the hands of the coaches. Each team is allowed up to two challenges per match, giving them a chance to contest calls they believe to be incorrect.
Here’s how it works: when a coach initiates a challenge, the referee heads to the side of the pitch to review a replay of the incident. The key difference? There’s no video assistant referee involved. Instead, a replay operator cues up the footage, and the match referee alone decides whether their original call was correct. This means the referee isn’t told in advance whether they’ve made a “clear and obvious error,” as is the case with VAR.
Where Has FVS Been Tested So Far?
FVS has already been trialed at the U20 and U17 FIFA Women’s World Cups this year, following its initial approval for testing by the IFAB in March. According to Pierluigi Collina, chairman of FIFA’s referees’ committee, the early results have been promising. “We are at the beginning of the trial, and the experiences at both the U20 and U17 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be carefully analysed, but so far, we haven’t noticed anything unexpected,” Collina told ESPN.
Several FIFA member associations have expressed interest in participating in the trials, which could expand to more competitions in the near future. However, it’s important to note that FVS is not designed for top-tier leagues like the Premier League. Instead, it’s aimed at leagues with fewer resources, ideally those with no more than four cameras. For example, it could be a viable option for competitions like the Women’s Super League, which has faced challenges implementing VAR due to the varying sizes and types of stadiums used.
What Are the Limitations of FVS?
While FVS offers a more affordable alternative to VAR, it does come with limitations. Collina emphasized the importance of managing expectations, particularly when it comes to offside decisions. “Making clear that FVS is not VAR is critical, in particular in terms of expectation. Because of the limited number of cameras, FVS won’t be able to show what VAR can show. Offside is an example: without cameras properly positioned, only clear offside can be spotted. This makes the on-field decision important too,” he explained.
Additionally, FVS is designed to work with a limited camera setup—ideally four to five cameras. With more cameras, the process of reviewing footage could become too time-consuming, as there are no video match officials to pre-select clips for the referee to review.
Other Trials and Updates from IFAB
FVS wasn’t the only topic on the agenda at the IFAB’s Annual Business Meeting in London. The board also discussed several other trials and updates, including:
- A trial addressing goalkeepers holding the ball for too long. If a goalkeeper holds the ball for more than eight seconds after gaining clear control, the opposition could be awarded a corner or throw-in. This trial has already been tested in Premier League 2, a competition for clubs with “Category One” academies.
- Trials limiting communication with referees to team captains only.
- Public announcements after lengthy VAR checks and reviews to improve transparency for fans.
- Developments in semi-automated offside technology.
- The use of referee body cameras to enhance accountability and safety.
The IFAB’s Annual General Meeting, scheduled for March 1, will determine the next steps for these trials and confirm any amendments to the Laws of the Game, which would take effect from next July.
What’s Next for FVS?
As the trials for FVS expand, the football world will be watching closely to see how this new system performs in different competitions. Could this be the future of officiating in football? Or will the limitations of FVS prove too significant to overcome? One thing is certain: the debate over video technology in football is far from over.
For now, fans and players alike can look forward to seeing how FVS shapes the game in the coming months. Whether it’s a game-changer or just another experiment, it’s sure to spark plenty of discussion—and maybe even a little controversy—along the way.
Originally Written by: Dale Johnson
