The Evolution of Football Video Support: From VAR to FVS and Beyond
The world of football officiating is undergoing a significant transformation, moving beyond the established Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system towards more streamlined and localized approaches like Football Video Support (FVS). This shift, spearheaded by figures like Pierluigi Collina, Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, signals a desire to balance technological assistance with the core principle of the referee’s authority on the pitch.
VAR: A Decade of Debate and Refinement
Introduced in 2017, VAR initially aimed to eliminate clear and obvious errors in key match situations. While widely adopted across major competitions, it hasn’t been without controversy. Concerns often center around the disruption to the flow of the game and the perceived over-reliance on technology, sometimes diminishing the referee’s on-field decision-making power. As Collina noted in September 2025, VAR has proven “highly successful” but still “requires improvement.”
One key area for refinement identified by Collina is the timing of assistant referees raising their flags. The emphasis is now on delaying these signals to allow play to continue, enabling VAR to review incidents more accurately. This adjustment aims to preserve the natural rhythm of the game while still benefiting from technological oversight.
FVS: Empowering Referees on the Field
FVS represents a departure from the centralized VAR model. It’s designed to be a more localized system, operating “at the side of the field” and functioning as a “support technological to the referee.” Unlike VAR, which relies on a remote operational center, FVS empowers the on-field referee as the ultimate decision-maker, with technology serving as an immediate aid. This approach is currently being trialed in Serie C, utilizing a single camera, but is designed to be scalable with the addition of more viewpoints.
A unique aspect of the Serie C implementation of FVS is the “challenge” system. Teams are granted two opportunities to request a review, retaining a “cartellino” (card) for each successful challenge. Unsuccessful challenges result in the loss of a card, encouraging responsible use of the system. This incentivizes teams to only request reviews when they have a reasonable expectation of a favorable outcome.
The Future of Officiating Technology
The evolution from VAR to FVS suggests a broader trend: a move towards more integrated and less intrusive technology in football officiating. Future developments are likely to focus on several key areas:
- Enhanced Camera Systems: Increasing the number and quality of cameras, including potentially utilizing 360-degree views, will provide more comprehensive coverage of the pitch.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI could play a larger role in identifying potential errors and alerting referees to incidents requiring review, reducing the workload on VAR/FVS teams.
- Real-Time Data Analysis: Integrating real-time data on player positioning, speed, and other metrics could provide referees with additional context for making informed decisions.
- Improved Communication Systems: Clearer and more efficient communication protocols between referees, assistants, and VAR/FVS operators are crucial for seamless operation.
FIFA is also actively addressing concerns about violence against referees, with Pierluigi Collina appealing to FIFA Member Associations in May 2025 to capture concrete action to protect officials, particularly at the grassroots level. This highlights the importance of fostering a culture of respect for referees and ensuring their safety.
Did you know?
Pierluigi Collina was named “The World’s Best Referee” by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics six consecutive times, from 1998 to 2003.
FAQ
What is the main difference between VAR and FVS?
VAR operates with a centralized review process, often involving significant interference in the referee’s decision. FVS is designed to be a localized support system, empowering the on-field referee to craft the final decision with technological assistance.
Is FVS being used in major leagues?
Currently, FVS is being trialed in Serie C. Its potential for wider adoption in other leagues will depend on the results of these trials and further development of the technology.
What role does Pierluigi Collina play in the development of these systems?
Pierluigi Collina, as Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, is a key figure in overseeing the development and implementation of both VAR and FVS, ensuring they align with the principles of fair play and effective officiating.
Pro Tip: Understanding the nuances of these systems can enhance your appreciation of the game and provide insight into the challenges faced by referees.
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