FIFA’s referee chief, Pierluigi Collina, stated that match officials will provide live explanations of VAR decisions to both stadium and television audiences during the Women’s World Cup.
This new approach aims to increase transparency in the decision-making process.
The concept was previously tested at the men’s Club World Cup in Morocco and the men’s U20 World Cup in Argentina, and will now be implemented for the first time in a major tournament during the upcoming World Cup.
Collina, the head of the FIFA Referees Committee, informed journalists that the trials had received favorable feedback.
“We want to give more transparency, more understanding of the decision made by the referee,” the Italian said.
“The referees here in Sydney have already practised at the training grounds using the PA system and things are going well.”
“We are very confident this new tool will be very positive.”
Supporters have consistently demanded greater clarity regarding VAR (video assistant referee) rulings. During the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia, referees will review a screen located on the sideline before communicating their decision, the rationale behind it, the players implicated, and a concise account of the incident through the PA system using a microphone attached to their shirt.
Collina expressed concern about referees having to explain in English, which is not the native language for many, thus increasing the pressure on them.
“In anything there are pros and cons,” he said. “After we will discuss and consider what is best for the future.”
Referees have also been instructed to crack down on time-wasting during the World Cup.
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