FIFA is Revolutionizing Football with Video Support for key refereeing calls

The Football Video Support (FVS) system is transforming the game by providing an accessible and cost-effective video replay solution for key refereeing calls.

Following successful trials, FVS is now being adopted by leagues worldwide, including Italy’s Serie C and Spain’s Liga F.

FVS aims to democratize football by making video review technology available to leagues and associations with limited resources.

The system is designed to support referees in competitions with fewer resources and cameras, and its introduction marks a significant step forward in ensuring accuracy and fairness in the game.

How FVS Works
– Review Request: Only the team’s head coach or senior team official can request a review by twirling their finger in the air and giving a review card to the fourth official.
– Eligible Incidents: FVS is used for possible clear and obvious errors or serious missed incidents related to goals, penalties, or direct red cards.

Global Adoption
FVS is being implemented in various leagues and tournaments, including:
Serie C (Italy’s third division), Liga F (Spain’s women’s top flight), Primera Federación (Spain’s men’s third tier), Copa Paulista (São Paulo state cup), Copa do Brasil Feminina (Brazil’s women’s national cup), FIFA U-20 World Cup Currently being used in the tournament and FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup (Expected to include trials)

FIFA’s Vision
FIFA’s promotion of FVS aims to provide an additional option for leagues and associations that cannot afford the video assistant referee (VAR) system.

With lower infrastructure costs and simplified operations, FVS empowers referees with critical decision-making support while ensuring accuracy and fairness are within reach for competitions of all sizes.

“FVS is a tool to support referees in competitions with fewer resources and cameras.

It should not be seen as VAR or as a modified version of it, as it does not include video match officials monitoring every incident.

We’re very encouraged by the first results and look forward to helping our Member Associations benefit from this technology.” Quote from Pierluigi Collina