The video replay technology has been used at a FIFA event for the first time at the ongoing 2016 FIFA Club World Cup in Japan.
It was used to award to a penalty to Japan’s Kashima Antlers in its semi-final win over South American club champions Atletico Nacional in Osaka, Japan.
Apparently referee Viktor Kassai had missed an incident that happened in Atletico Nacional’s box. He then received information about this from the Video Assistant Referee Danny Makkelie which prompted him to conduct an on-field review of footage via the pitch-side monitor.
After the review, Viktor Kassai awarded a penalty to Japan’s Kashima Antlers which was scored.
“This is the first-ever live trial with Video Assistant Referees at a FIFA competition, so this is something that is new for everyone – especially to see the referee run to the video replay area at the side of the field,” said Massimo Busacca, FIFA’s Head of Refereeing.
“In the incident tonight, the communication between the referee and the video assistant referee was clear, the technology worked well, and ultimately the final decision was taken by the referee, which will always be the case since the VARs are only there to support.”
According to the experiment protocol drawn up by The IFAB, referees have the option to confirm or change a decision either by relying solely on information provided by the VAR or by reviewing the footage themselves – especially when it’s a matter of interpretation, rather than a factual decision.
“The clear message we’ve got from players and coaches throughout the world is that they would like the referee on the day to remain the main decision maker and that’s why the option is always there to go and look at the footage directly,” said David Elleray, Technical Director of The IFAB.
The trial with video replay technology at the FIFA Club World Cup marks the end of the testing phase for the VAR project. The IFAB, in consultation with FIFA and participating competition organisers, will decide if any further refinements need to be made to the protocol before live trials go ahead globally.
Kashima Antlers won the match 3-0.
