VAR has been the bane of Celtic supporters’ lives ever since it was introduced in October 2022.
Two years on and the refereeing technology is causing more debates than it clears up as VAR continues to test football and Celtic supporters’ patience.
Celtic have been on the end of some poor calls from the refereeing technology and to add balance, VAR has also got decisions correct in the Hoops’ favour.
However, after two years there is still no sign that the obvious mistakes are being eradicated but it seems that FIFA are looking at an alternative solution to the officiating device.
FIFA plans ‘alternative VAR’ to introduce ‘coaching challenges’, it could affect Celtic
It seems that the world’s governing body, FIFA, is also looking to improve the implementation of the refereeing technology by offering an alternative solution to VAR.
The report from ESPN states, “FIFA is hoping to be granted permission from the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to continue trials of Football Video Support (FVS), an alternative VAR system which gives coaches the chance to challenge decisions.”
FIFA recognises that the running cost of VAR and the manpower it takes to ensure it is executed effectively means that smaller countries, like Scotland, simply cannot afford it.
And that has been proven with some of the camera angles supporters need to put up with as proof of offsides over the last two years.
The report also says that FVS gives coaches the chance to ‘challenge’ two decisions per game which means managers need to be really selective about what they challenge whilst not impacting the flow of the game too much.
Former FIFA referee, Pierluigi Collina said, “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 is designed to work with a limited camera set-up, ideally up to 4-5. With more cameras, the process of checking all of the footage and available angles may become very long as, and differently from VAR, there are not any video match officials selecting those clips to be seen by the referee.
“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 association can implement to help referees when needed. VAR and FVS are different solutions for different needs.”
Three big VAR calls this season Celtic could have challenged with new rule
If Celtic had the opportunity to challenge VAR this season Brendan Rodgers could have challenged the following decisions.
- St Johnstone vs Celtic: Daizen Maeda’s Celtic goal ruled out for a foul by Auston Trusty on St Johnstone defender.
- Motherwell vs Celtic: Daizen Maeda not being awarded a penalty for a foul against The Steelemen.
- Celtic vs Rangers: Kyogo Furuhashi’s goal incorrectly ruled out for offside.
There will come a time when a wrong call costs Celtic either a trophy or, as in the case last season against Hearts, three points in the title race.
At least with this new system, managers get to challenge decisions in real-time to ensure the best and correct outcome. And that is something everyone should want not just Celtic supporters, right?
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