FIFA Aims to Broaden Trials of FVS: A VAR-Style Coach Challenge System

In a bid to make high-stakes football decisions fairer and more accessible across diverse leagues, FIFA is seeking to broaden the testing of Football Video Support (FVS), an alternative to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.

This innovative solution, enabling coaches to challenge contentious decisions, was previously piloted at the U20 and U17 FIFA Women’s World Cups this year and now has FIFA’s backing to expand its trials in other tournaments. As FIFA appeals to the International Football Association Board (IFAB) for further permissions, this potential game-changer for leagues with limited resources could soon redefine in-game decision-making processes.

The Unique Structure of Football Video Support (FVS)

FVS diverges significantly from the traditional VAR model by granting coaches the authority to make limited challenges. While VAR reviews are handled by dedicated video referees with extensive camera angles, FVS allows coaches two challenges per game if they believe a clear mistake has been made. Under FVS, the match referee views the replay pitch-side without external influence, assessing his own decision rather than receiving judgment on “clear and obvious errors” beforehand.

Pierluigi Collina, chairman of FIFA’s referees’ committee, clarified this distinction, noting, “Making clear that FVS is not VAR is critical, in particular in terms of expectations. Because of the limited number of cameras, FVS won’t be able to show what VAR can show. Offside is an example: without cameras properly positioned, only clear offside can be spotted. This makes the on-field decision important too.” FVS operates with minimal camera setups—ideally up to four—which keeps the technology cost-effective while still enhancing accuracy.

Implementation So Far: Positive Feedback in Youth Tournaments

The FVS system has already been trialed at a few significant events, including the Blue Stars/FIFA Youth Cup and the U20 and U17 Women’s World Cups. Collina shared that while the system is still in its early stages, initial feedback from these tournaments has been promising. “Even though [the U20 and U17 FIFA Women’s World Cup] was the first experience, both for the teams and the match officials, we feel that the outcome was very positive. We ensured that they were well briefed beforehand and we conducted a survey with the coaches after the tournament which showed that FVS was positively received and considered worthy to be used in the future.”

Collina also highlighted that several FIFA member associations have already expressed interest in participating in the expanded trials. Should IFAB approve further testing, FVS could be rolled out to multiple competitions next year, bringing FIFA one step closer to a globally adaptable officiating tool.

How FVS Could Enhance Fair Play in Resource-Constrained Leagues

The appeal of FVS lies largely in its suitability for leagues that lack the financial and technical means to implement full-scale VAR setups. “While VAR is used in some 200 competitions around the world, many others cannot implement it due to the limited financial and human resources available. Football Video Support is a more affordable technology that many more FIFA member associations can implement to help referees when needed,” Collina explained. FVS therefore aligns well with FIFA’s vision to expand accessible technology in football, ensuring referees in all leagues have support in making pivotal calls.

With its simple mechanics, FVS doesn’t require dedicated video officials. Instead, a single replay operator cues the footage for the referee, who then independently reassesses the decision. This streamlining is especially suited for leagues without extensive camera setups or staffing, where the cost and logistics of VAR are prohibitive.

Tactical Dynamics and Strategic Use of Challenges

The FVS challenge system places strategic power in the hands of coaches, who must decide wisely when to request a review. Since coaches only have two challenge requests per game and forfeit them when unsuccessful, they must evaluate their decisions carefully. As Collina noted, “Coaches have a limited number of review requests, two per match, and they lose it when unsuccessful… Giving the referee the possibility to initiate a review would mean to put him/her under extra pressure, as players would try to convince the referee to decide to go to the monitor every time a decision is taken.”

This feature of FVS could lead to strategic adaptations, as coaches may save their challenges for critical moments or make a “last try” challenge near the game’s end. However, unlike VAR, the referee’s initial decision remains critical as the camera setup lacks VAR’s extensive angles, limiting the scope of reviewed footage.

FIFA’s Vision: Technology to Enhance Global Football

FIFA’s exploration of FVS represents its commitment to leveraging both existing and emerging technologies to improve game quality. By creating a more affordable, practical alternative to VAR, FIFA aims to provide equitable support for referees globally. “Part of the FIFA president’s vision is to explore both existing and emerging technologies to positively impact the game, especially in order to help referees to make correct decisions,” said Collina.

As the sport’s governing body seeks IFAB’s approval for broader FVS trials, the football community awaits the next developments with interest. Should these tests yield continued success, FVS might become a staple in leagues worldwide, especially those eager for a cost-effective solution to ensure fair play. FIFA’s ultimate goal is to help football’s decision-making processes keep pace with the sport’s rapid evolution, enhancing accessibility and fairness on the field.

FIFA’s initiative to expand the FVS challenge system marks an important milestone in football officiating. With the potential to empower coaches, streamline reviews, and widen accessibility, FVS could bring a new layer of integrity to the game, especially in leagues without access to VAR. As FIFA prepares for its next report to IFAB, the football world watches with anticipation, hopeful that this innovative system could become a fixture in the future of global football.

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