VAR will be used at Russia 2018 World Cup, FIFA confirm

Posted Saturday, March 17, 2018 by Skysports.com

"It's a decision based on the trials that were carried out in over a thousand matches in the last two years that provide us with concrete facts that VAR definitely helps referees," said FIFA president Gianni Infantino

Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will be used at this summer's World Cup in Russia, FIFA has confirmed.

Gianni Infantino, the president of football's governing body, confirmed the decision which was agreed on Friday by FIFA's ruling council in Colombia.

The introduction of VAR at the World Cup was expected after the International Football Association Board (IFAB) reached a unanimous decision to approve the technology earlier this month, following a two-year trial period.

VAR will be used at Russia 2018 World Cup, FIFA confirm
Gianni Infantino says FIFA are 'extremely happy' with the decision

Infantino, who has previously come out in support of VAR, said: "We are going to have our first World Cup with video assisted refereeing. This has been adopted and approved and we are extremely happy with that decision."

"It's a decision based on the trials that were carried out in over a thousand matches in the last two years that provide us with guarantees and concrete facts that VAR definitely helps referees.

"It will help to have a more transparent and fairer sport which is what we want because the referee has his work cut out for him already and sometimes he can make mistakes - like any human being - and if we can help him to correct some of these mistakes, let's do so."

Following trials in FA Cup and Carabao Cup games this season, VAR has been met by some criticism with Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino saying he fears the technology could kill emotion in the game.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has previously said VAR will not be used in next season's Champions League.

"Nobody knows exactly how VAR will work. There is already a lot of confusion," said Ceferin.

"I am not at all against it but we must better explain when it will be used. We will see at the World Cup."