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Lower division clubs may soon benefit from a new “challenge” system designed to address refereeing mistakes.
The International FA Board’s lawmakers have chosen to broaden the trials of their innovative “Football Video Support” system globally.
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Credit: PA
This new system, a variation of VAR, is designed for competitions with limited camera coverage.
Coaches will have the ability to request a challenge, leading the referee to review the incident via a pitch-side monitor, with video footage supplied by a technician.
Much like in cricket and tennis, teams can keep their successful challenges, allowing for two unsuccessful attempts per match.
The system was recently trialed at the under-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, where England finished in fourth place.
In one case, England coach Natalie Henderson successfully challenged a goal awarded to Mexico during their second group match, resulting in a review of the video footage.
Ifab officials are eager to roll out what they consider a “cost-effective alternative to VAR” for smaller nations and lower-tier leagues in more affluent countries.
David Elleray, Ifab’s technical director and former Premier League referee, mentioned: “This system primarily targets competitions with only one to four cameras available.”
“Thus, leagues such as One and Two, the National League, and similar divisions could greatly benefit from it.
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“It underscores the need for ‘clear and obvious’ decisions, as a single camera must offer conclusive proof for any changes to occur.”
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“This system could be implemented in smaller countries at the upper levels or in larger nations’ lower tiers.”
“FIFA has successfully conducted tests, and we are exploring more opportunities for trials, likely beginning next season.”
So far, EFL clubs have been reluctant to embrace VAR due to significant cost concerns.
However, a number of fans have pointed out that attending EFL matches is generally more enjoyable compared to the Premier League experience, where supporters often feel left out of the VAR review process.
Patrick Nelson, CEO of the Irish FA, which will host Ifab’s formal AGM in March to finalize the policy, stated: “We need to clarify that this is not VAR.”
“It provides a different methodology compared to VAR, functioning instead as an alternative reliant on the challenge system offered by coaches.
“In countries using VAR, several tiers down may still consist of leagues with minimal camera setups.”
“We propose two challenges per coach for each match, allowing coaches to determine when to seek a referee’s review.”
“We are expanding trials and collecting more data on it. As costs diminish, it should become more feasible and hopefully more widely accepted.”
However, Ifab addressed concerns regarding a potential “hybrid” version of VAR, indicating that video assistants would handle offside and line calls while subjective decisions could remain open to challenges.
Elleray added: “There is no need to integrate challenges within VAR, as video match officials evaluate every specific incident.”
“Therefore, coaches would not have to request a review for a penalty call, as that is part of the automated process.”
“In contrast, with Video Support, no situation is reviewed unless a request is made, distinguishing it fundamentally.”
