FIFA is undertaking a two-year review of the video assistant referee (VAR) system, with trials of a challenge system likely to expand beyond Italy, Malta, and Spain, referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina announced Saturday.
The review, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the initial approval of VAR trials, comes as the system faces increasing scrutiny. Collina, who chairs FIFA’s referees committee, indicated that other member associations and competition organizers would likely be invited to participate in trials of Football Video Support (FVS) – a system allowing coaches two challenges per match – in the coming weeks.
“This proves probable that in the next weeks we will open the possibility to join the trial for the next season to member association and competition organisers,” Collina said.
The announcement follows a period of heightened debate surrounding VAR’s effectiveness, with some critics arguing the game would be improved by its removal. Collina acknowledged the cyclical nature of opinion, drawing a parallel to long-term relationships. “In Italy, we say that in every wonderful marriage, there is a crisis after seven years,” he stated. “So it might be possible that people fall in love with the VAR, and then after some years… Crisis.”
The International Football Association Board (Ifab) initiated the review at its annual general meeting on Saturday. Recent reports suggest FIFA is determined to push ahead with significant VAR rule changes for the 2026 World Cup, despite some initial resistance. According to reports, these changes may include expanded use of VAR on corner kicks, a move supported by Collina.
While Collina has expressed confidence that expanded trials won’t cause significant delays, concerns remain about the potential for VAR to disrupt the flow of the game. Some observers have warned that increased VAR intervention could create matches “unwatchable.”
