A VAR (video assistant referee) decision was explained to spectators for the first time on Wednesday night, as the Club World Cup got underway in Morocco.
Premier League fans have long called for VAR decisions to be explained to fans in stadiums. Supporters are often forced to wait in the metaphorical dark for several minutes during VAR reviews, with referees offering no explanation once a decision is made.
To combat this complaint, FIFA have started a trial that sees referees briefly explain decisions to spectators. The trial will be held at the ongoing Club World Cup and will also be implemented at the U20 World Cup and Women's World Cup later this year.
The historic moment unfolded in added-time of Egyptian side Al-Alhy's 3-0 win against Australian outfit Auckland City on Wednesday night. With the score already 3-0, Auckland defender Adam Mitchell fouled winger Taher Mohamed just outside of the box.
Chinese referee Ma Ning, who has been a FIFA-listed official since 2011, initially gave a penalty but was advised to re-watch the incident at his pitch-side monitor. He changed his decision to a free kick just outside of the box and a red card for Mitchell.
At that moment, the referee said over the PA system: "Decision will be a free kick. Auckland No.3 - denial of a goalscoring opportunity."
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While the referee's clarification was very brief, it is still an improvement on the explanations - or lack of explanations - that happen in the Premier League. Calls for VAR decisions to be clarified have existed since the technology was introduced in August 2019.
"We don't think fans getting enough information," the Football Association's chief executive Mark Bullingham has previously admitted. "We are trialling this in the hardest environment first because we think it will be easier in domestic leagues."
Furthermore, former Premier League referee Peter Walton has said: "We need the viewer to understand better the workings of VAR because at the moment everybody is hiding behind the fact it’s some guy in a darkened room in Stockley Park making the decisions.
"We need to get to the position where we dispel that myth and put the onus straight back onto the referee."
The Club World Cup, meanwhile, will be played in Morocco until the final on Saturday, February 11. The first round saw Al-Ahly - the CAF Champions League runners-up - take on Auckland - the OFC Champions League holders.
The second round will see Al-Ahly take on MLS outfit Seattle Sounders - the CONCACAF Champions League holders - and Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca - the CAF Champions League holders - face Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal - the AFC Champions League holders.
The winners of Al-Ahly's clash against Seattle will face Spanish giants Real Madrid - the UEFA Champions League holders. The other semi-final tie will be between the winners of Wydad vs Al-Hilal and Brazilian side Flamengo - the Copa Libertadores holders.
