FIFA are reportedly exploring an alternative to the current VAR system that would allow football coaches to challenge refereeing decisions during matches, a move that could be welcomed by Arsenal and football fans alike.
According to French media outlet L’Equipe, FIFA are working on a new system called Football Video Support (FVS), which would enable coaches to challenge up to two refereeing decisions per game, similar to the challenge system used in basketball. The proposal is said to be “seriously considered” by FIFA, with the governing body hoping to obtain approval from the board to continue testing FVS.
The FVS system was approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) earlier this year and has already been trialled in the Under-17 and Under-20 Women’s World Cups. FIFA’s head of referees, Pierluigi Colina, emphasised that while FVS is not intended to replace VAR, it is a distinct system with fewer cameras, meaning it can offer limited video support compared to VAR.
