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FIFA’s new Football Video Support (FVS) system may allow coaches to challenge refereeing decisions, potentially influencing match outcomes. Tested at U-17 and U-20 Women’s World Cups, the system aims to offer coaches up to two reviews per match. FVS differs from VAR with limited camera angles.

FIFA is reportedly testing a new system that would allow soccer coaches to challenge refereeing decisions during matches. Known as Football Video Support (FVS), the system, which is inspired by the challenge formats in basketball and football, could grant coaches the ability to request at least two reviews per game. The system was first approved by the IFAB in March and has already been trialed at the U-17 and U-20 Women’s World Cups.

Unlike VAR (Video Assistant Referee), which utilizes multiple cameras for in-depth analysis, FVS uses fewer cameras and therefore provides a more limited review. Despite these limitations, the system would give coaches an unprecedented opportunity to influence match outcomes by calling for reviews on questionable decisions.

FIFA’s Referees Committee Chairman, Pierluigi Colina, clarified that FVS is distinct from VAR and cannot offer the same level of scrutiny due to fewer camera angles. However, it could offer a valuable alternative when VAR fails to review certain calls, such as handball incidents or marginal offside decisions, which have previously caused controversy.

The IFAB’s final approval is still required before FVS can be fully implemented in more matches. Until then, the system remains in a developmental phase, with the potential to revolutionize the role of coaches in match officiating decisions.

This development marks a significant step forward in football’s ongoing evolution of match officiating technology.