Keith Hackett: ‘FIFA trialling putting VAR in coaches hands’ with new video system
Keith Hackett has provided details on the trial FIFA are currently doing with the new Football Video Support System, which aims to change the way VAR is used.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former PGMOL chief, ex-FIFA, and Premier League referee revealed that the new method will put the review control “in the hands of the coaches.”
VAR remains a hotly contested talking point within football, despite the fact it was supposed to be brought in to remove all doubt surrounding controversial decisions for big moments within games.
The new system that is being used takes inspiration from other sports such as American football or basketball where challenges can be used in a more strategic manner, which would increase the role of the coaches.
FIFA are attempting to give coaches more of a say in VAR
Hackett told Football Insider, “This year FIFA started its implementation and experiment with the introduction of the Football Video Support System (FVS).
“This is aimed to be an accessible alternative to VAR aimed at putting the review control in the hands of the coaches with the aim at improving officiating fairness.
“Unlike VAR, which relies on a separate team of video match officials to check incidents, FVS takes a streamlined approach.
“FVS applies only to clear and obvious errors or serious missed calls in four specific cases: goals, penalties, direct red cards, and mistaken player identity.
“Once the referee makes a call, each team’s head coach has the option to challenge the decision by signalling to the fourth official with a review card.
“Each team is allowed two challenges per match, and if a challenge is successful, the team retains that review for future use.
“This system mirrors “challenge” rules in other sports like American Football and Basketball, giving coaches a strategic option to use theirs.
“The onus falls on the two head coaches, who will be allowed to make a limited number of review requests per match when they feel there has been a clear and obvious error in match-changing.”
In other news, Jude Bellingham: Keith Hackett drops ‘reckless’ verdict as footage analysed.
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