Fifa's Football Video Support (FVS) System: Enhancing Referee Decision-Making in Football Matches
Fifa has introduced a new video review system called Football Video Support (FVS) that allows managers to request a decision to be reviewed by the referee using colored cards. The system is being tested at the Under-20 World Cup and in smaller-scale leagues and tournaments. Each manager is given a blue and a purple card, which can be used by the manager or a senior team official. Players can also ask their managers to make review requests. Reviews can only be requested immediately after an incident occurs. Managers can signal for a review by twirling their finger in the air and handing their card to the fourth official. This system is designed for competitions with up to four cameras, unlike the multi-camera systems used in major leagues. If a challenge is upheld, the manager retains two challenges, but if they lose, the challenge is lost.
Fifa specifies that the FVS system is used only in cases of clear and obvious errors or serious missed incidents related to scenarios like goal decisions, penalties, or direct red cards. It is intended to support referees in competitions with limited resources and cameras. The system is not a version of VAR and does not involve video match officials monitoring every incident. The chairman of the Fifa Referees committee, Pierluigi Collina, stated that they were encouraged by the initial results of the system. The system was tested during the World Cup semi-final between Morocco and France, where Morocco's manager challenged a refereeing decision by waving a blue card. The review upheld the original decision, and play continued. Morocco eventually won the match and advanced to the final.
The FVS system has been tested at various tournaments and leagues, including the Women's Under-17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic. It will also be used at upcoming Under-17 World Cup tournaments in Qatar and Morocco. The system has been piloted in Italy's Serie C and in Spain for the Women's Liga F and men's Primera Federacion. Ifab, the International Football Association Board, was pleased with the early test results of the system. The FVS system has been implemented in Serie C matches and trial weekends in Italy's women's Serie A. The system is aimed at providing support to referees in competitions with limited resources and technology.
The FVS system is a new video review format introduced by Fifa to assist referees in making decisions during matches. It allows managers to request a review of certain incidents using colored cards, providing a cost-effective and scalable solution for competitions with fewer resources. The system has been tested in various tournaments and leagues, with positive feedback from officials and stakeholders. As the system continues to be trialed and refined, it aims to enhance the accuracy and fairness of decision-making in football matches.