FIFA has conducted the initial trials of a new VAR system that allows coaches to challenge a referee's decision, marking a departure from the previous setup where only video officials could initiate reviews. The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the governing body for football rules, has endorsed an additional 'VAR light' system at its AGM in March 2023. This streamlined version, known as Football Video Support (VS), is designed to be more accessible across the global football landscape.
Under the VS system, teams can challenge decisions related to goals, penalties, red cards, and cases of mistaken identity. Each team is granted two challenges per match, with the opportunity to retain the review if successful. The responsibility of requesting a review falls on the coach, who signals the challenge by twirling a finger in the air and presenting a card to the fourth official. The coach specifies the type of incident to be reviewed, although players can suggest a review, the final decision rests with the coach. A dedicated replay operator ensures that the correct footage is displayed during the review process.
