<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/fifa/">FIFA</a> is preparing to introduce a potentially transformative rule change with the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/italian-referee-association-open-to-introducing-var-challenge/">Football Video Support (FVS) system</a>, designed to give coaches a new tool for challenging referee decisions. In an era increasingly reliant on technology to enhance game fairness, the FVS offers a simplified alternative to VAR, tailored specifically for leagues with limited financial resources and camera setups. While it shares some similarities with the existing Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, FVS notably shifts decision-making power partially to coaches, allowing them to challenge calls that they believe were made in error.



The FVS, recently <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/fifa-to-trial-future-var-replacement-in-youth-soccer/">tested at the U20 and U17 Women’s World Cups</a>, lets coaches initiate up to two challenges per match for specific decisions, such as goals, penalties, or red cards. Approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) earlier this year, FIFA aims to expand its use to other competitions following the positive feedback gathered during the trials, L’Equipe reports,



In contrast to VAR, where off-site officials monitor the game from multiple angles, FVS operates with minimal technology—typically using no more than four to five cameras. According to Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s Referees Committee Chairman, this more streamlined setup makes the system feasible for leagues unable to bear the financial burden of VAR.



“It’s important to clearly understand that FVS is not VAR,” Collina emphasized to ESPN. “With only a few cameras, FVS won’t offer the same capabilities as VAR”. This means that decisions, particularly those regarding offside, might rely more heavily on the referee’s original call due to limited camera angles, preserving the critical role of on-field decision-making.



<h2>How FVS works: Process and limitations</h2>



Under the FVS system, each team’s head coach can request a review of a disputed call by signaling to the referee, who will then view the footage on a sideline monitor. A designated replay operator will handle the playback, but the ultimate call remains with the referee, who makes the final decision without additional input from a separate VAR official.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20241113_WST_539563_FIFAs-potential-rule-change-Football-Video-Support-FVS-system-and-how-it-would-impact-coaching-strategies-1-1200x675_69a816b3.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-539579" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/FIFAs-potential-rule-change-Football-Video-Support-FVS-system-and-how-it-would-impact-coaching-strategies-1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/FIFAs-potential-rule-change-Football-Video-Support-FVS-system-and-how-it-would-impact-coaching-strategies-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/FIFAs-potential-rule-change-Football-Video-Support-FVS-system-and-how-it-would-impact-coaching-strategies-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/FIFAs-potential-rule-change-Football-Video-Support-FVS-system-and-how-it-would-impact-coaching-strategies-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/FIFAs-potential-rule-change-Football-Video-Support-FVS-system-and-how-it-would-impact-coaching-strategies-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/FIFAs-potential-rule-change-Football-Video-Support-FVS-system-and-how-it-would-impact-coaching-strategies-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/FIFAs-potential-rule-change-Football-Video-Support-FVS-system-and-how-it-would-impact-coaching-strategies-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/FIFAs-potential-rule-change-Football-Video-Support-FVS-system-and-how-it-would-impact-coaching-strategies-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



This setup allows coaches to challenge calls while ensuring that not every match incident undergoes review. Instead, reviews are limited to high-stakes situations—goals, penalty decisions, and red cards. Coaches must use their challenges wisely since they are restricted to two per match and lose one if a review is unsuccessful.



While VAR has become a staple in top leagues worldwide, including the Premier League and Serie A, implementing it globally has faced challenges. Many leagues, particularly in lower divisions or developing regions, lack the resources required for the extensive infrastructure VAR demands. FVS is meant to fill this gap by offering a cost-effective solution that FIFA believes will make refereeing more consistent across regions.



Collina emphasized the importance of understanding the system’s limitations: “FVS won’t be able to show what VAR can. Because of the limited number of cameras, only obvious offside can be spotted”. In these cases, the referee’s initial decision becomes more influential than it would be in a VAR-assisted environment.



<h2>Appeal and potential challenges of FVS for coaches</h2>



The new challenge-based approach shifts some accountability to coaches, who must gauge whether to risk a challenge on a potentially game-changing decision. Like in other sports such as tennis or American football, a coach’s strategic use of challenges can influence the match’s flow, especially toward the end when tactical challenges may be attempted as a last resort.



However, Collina acknowledges that the system isn’t without its challenges: “Giving the referee the option to initiate a review would mean extra pressure from players, as they would likely try to convince the referee to use it. The responsibility must lie with the coaches to request a review“. By placing this responsibility solely on coaches, FIFA aims to keep the flow of the game intact while reducing undue influence on referees.



With promising early feedback, FIFA is seeking IFAB’s approval to broaden FVS testing across more leagues worldwide. The preliminary trials, including surveys with participating coaches, have shown that FVS is positively received as an affordable alternative to VAR that could benefit global soccer.



“We are at the beginning of the trial, and the experiences at both the U20 and U17 Women’s World Cups will be carefully analyzed,” the Italian shared. “Several member associations have already shown interest in participating, and if IFAB approves, more competitions could implement FVS next year.”

FIFA's potential rule change: Football Video Support (FVS) system and how it would impact coaching strategies

FIFA's potential rule change: Football Video Support (FVS) system and how it would impact coaching strategies - World Soccer Talk

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In a new challenge system tested in soccer, managers may now wave their finger in the air to start a video review of a referee’s call. Sports like cricket and tennis already have this feature.



Now FIFA has implemented a new challenge mechanism for trials. Football Video Support, also known as FVS, is a less complex substitute for the VAR. The results from its testing in young football thus far are encouraging.



At this week’s FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Pierluigi Collina—the head of referees for FIFA—said as much while praising the system. “The outcome was very, very positive”, <a href="https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/challenge-system-fifa-premier-league-b1158494.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Collina said</a>.



“Our aim is to continue to trial this new system, namely in our youth competitions. We hope to be able to give all of you who have indicated an interest in the possibility to implement this system in your competitions.”



<h2>What is Football Video Support (FVS)?</h2>



Each manager gets to question two referee calls every game; if they win, they get to retain the call for the next time. Goals, penalties, red cards, and incidents of mistaken identification are all scenarios that call for its use.



The challenge begins with the coach spinning their finger and passing a card to the fourth official. 



They then explain to the referee what they would want reviewed on the pitch-side monitor. Players have the opportunity to suggest a review, but ultimately, it is up to the coach to make the call.



Earlier this week, during the Blue Stars/FIFA Youth Cup, the first trial happened. ESPN reports that there are currently no plans to use it in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/premier-league-season-finale-whats-left-to-play-for/">Premier League</a> or any other top-tier leagues.



The original intention of FVS was to help events that couldn’t afford to deploy VAR at the outset.



But what happens when managers, players, and fans all lose reviews? What happens if a team manipulates the system in any way, such as to waste time strategically? These are important questions to ponder.



For the time being, FIFA are content to retain its testing inside their youth events. Therefore, trials will not be expanded to other leagues or competitions.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="406" height="478" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240519_WST_507491_image-26_c8781798.webp&amp;width=406&amp;height=478" alt="" class="wp-image-507605" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/image-26.png 406w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/image-26-255x300.png 255w" sizes="(max-width: 406px) 100vw, 406px"></figure><figcaption>The reasons Wolves propose scrapping VAR</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What will happen to VAR?</h2>



Premier League teams will vote next month on whether to eliminate VAR, and news of the FVS system comes less than a week after that. Wolverhampton Wanderers having <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/premier-league-clubs-to-vote-to-ban-var-from-2024-25-season/">set this maneuver in motion</a>.



In preparation for the Premier League meeting in Harrogate on June 6, Wolves officially presented a proposal that would initiate a vote. “The price we are paying for a small increase in accuracy is at odds with the spirit of our game”, they said.



According to the club, video assistant referee was used “in good faith”. However, it has had “numerous unintended negative consequences that are damaging the relationship between fans and football.”



Since its introduction in 2019, VAR has been involved in many contentious events. That’s despite its intended purpose of assisting on-field officials with crucial match judgments. There were worries about VAR, and the Premier League admitted as much.



In any case, they’re on board with the system and will keep collaborating with the referees’ organization, PGMOL, to refine it. For a rule change to be approved, 14 out of 20 clubs must give their votes in favor.



The 2024-25 Premier League season will see the introduction of semi-automated offside technology, as previous votes by clubs have indicated.



Photo credit: IMAGO / PA Images

FIFA to trial future VAR replacement in youth soccer

In a new challenge system being tested in soccer, managers may now wave their finger in the air to start a video review of a referee's call.

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FIFA's potential rule change: Football Video Support (FVS) system and how it would impact coaching strategies

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FIFA to trial future VAR replacement in youth soccer