Unlike the full Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system used in the men’s liga, FVS is designed to be more affordable and portable, making it a viable option for leagues with limited financial and infrastructural resources.
A Response to Controversial Calls
The move comes just days after a Barcelona goal was wrongly disallowed for offside in the women’s clásico against Real Madrid, a match that saw Madrid secure its first-ever victory over its Catalan rival. The controversy has fueled discussions about the need for video technology in Spain’s top-tier women’s league.
How the Football Video Support (FVS) System Works
FIFA developed FVS as a lightweight alternative to VAR, making it suitable for leagues with fewer cameras and budget constraints. The system allows teams to challenge on-field decisions, similar to coach’s challenges in the NFL and NBA.
According to FIFA, the key features of FVS include:
- Coach’s Challenge Mechanism: Coaches can request a review by twirling their finger in the air and handing a review request card to the fourth official. Each team will have two challenges, but they won’t lose a challenge if the review overturns the original decision.
- Minimal Infrastructure Requirements: Unlike traditional VAR, which requires multiple camera angles and a dedicated team of officials, FVS can operate with just one camera, whether human-operated or automated.
- Instant Replay by the Fourth Official: After a goal is scored, the fourth official will review the footage on a monitor and inform the referee of any clear and obvious errors.
- Portability and Easy Deployment: The system is designed to be lightweight and transportable by a single person, ensuring quick setup in different stadiums.
Potential Limitations of FVS
While FVS offers a more practical solution for leagues that cannot afford full-scale VAR, it comes with some limitations.
- With fewer cameras, replay footage may often be inconclusive, meaning the original decision will stand in many cases.
- If technical issues arise, matches will proceed without the use of FVS.
A Step Toward Full VAR in Women’s Soccer
The Spanish federation believes that introducing FVS is a crucial step toward eventually implementing full VAR in the women’s liga. FIFA has been testing FVS in youth tournaments and has yet to finalize its official version for broader adoption.
If FIFA approves the request, Spain could become one of the first countries to implement the system at the top level of women’s soccer, setting a precedent for other leagues around the world.