FIFA’s ruling council has recently confirmed that Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will be used at the 2018 World Cup. Video review is something that people are familiar with in mainstream sports, and it’s about time it gets implemented into the world’s most-viewed sporting event.
VAR is still in its infancy in the overall soccer realm and is a highly debated topic. It’s been tested in almost 1,000 matches over a two-year period around the world. It’s been showcased in leagues and tournaments, such as the MLS in the U.S. to the Confederations Cup in Russia.
According to the International Football Association Board (IFAB), VAR will only be used to “correct clear errors and for missed serious incidents,” which could result in match-changing results. This includes decisions on goals, penalties, red cards or “mistaken identity” (which is when an official penalizes the wrong player).
At first, I was apprehensive about how video review would disrupt the flow of the game. It was originally advertised to only take a matter of seconds before the referee would finalize his or her decision. However, depending on the referee and system being used, it can take up to a minute of game time.
The head official is required to run to the side of the field and review the play. He can then determine if his original call was sufficient or if it needs to be changed, similar to most sports. I like this because the main official’s call is what’s final. Video assistants cannot determine the call.
The only difference, however, is that the clock is running. While people dislike how long this can take during the game, who cares if it takes up to a minute to finalize a decision? Stoppage time, the time added onto the end of each half, will make up for lost time. It’s important the best call is made, especially in a tournament environment.
My favorite team could lose its star player, fall to a rival due to an illegal goal or be called offside all because of human error. This has happened at the World Cup before many times. For example, when legendary Argentine player Diego Maradona scored the “Hand of God” goal in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinals, a handball gave Argentina the first goal of the game because the referees failed to catch what transpired in the moment.
Referees are human and make human errors. Video review has been proven in other sports to help more than hurt. Therefore, there is no question of whether or not it should be fully implemented into every soccer league and tournament worldwide, including the World Cup.
