This year’s FIFA World Cup has brought in a new dimension in the refereeing department – technology. For the first time in the tournament’s history, on-field referees are being supported by personnel outside the football field.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has caused quite a stir in the football world. While the system has successfully overturned many decisions, it has also produced some concerns for various teams.
One of 13 FIFA qualified referees, and three assistants, will monitor each of the 64 matches at the World Cup from an operations room in Moscow. They will have access to the footage from 33 broadcast cameras, as well as two cameras dedicated to aiding offside decisions. Eight of the cameras will provide “super slow-motion” and four “ultra slow-motion” pictures. Another dedicated camera will be installed behind each goal for the matches in the knockout stages of the tournament. The video referee speaks to the on-field referee through an ear piece if he wants a decision reviewed during a match. And the on-field referee can also ask for a review if he is unsure about his decision.
However, only certain decisions can be reviewed.
The on-field review will take place in the following circumstances:
When a goal has been scored, in the case of a foul committed by an attacking player or for offside interference.
On penalty decisions, for a foul leading up to penalty or a foul by an attacking player.
All direct red card incidents.