Only Fifa Rules will be used in VAR
Following the repeated errors made by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), English Premier League will now have to follow Fifa guidelines regarding the use of the video assistant referee. The football governing body confirmed it was taking over management of its implementation.
The pre-planned move comes at the end of a four-year process during which Fifa worked with the International Football Association Board around the Video Assistant Referee which is now used in more than 100 countries. Fifa however declared VAR to be “a universal success.”
There has been confusion in the Premier League around such issues as use of the pitchside monitors. Mike Riley general manager of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, the referees’ body limited the use of monitors to avoid slowing the game down.
This went against the general guidance and the anticipation is Fifa will expect this to be used more extensively. In addition, rules around handball, offside and goalkeepers standing on their lines for penalties will all be dealt with through Fifa. Recently VAR made three mistakes in one day and it has raised lots of questions in the hearts of football lovers and so it was fitting for Fifa to step in.
Because of this development Premier League clubs have delayed a decision about the dates for this summer’s transfer window. Clubs and Uefa want the window to close on 5th of October, before the start of next season’s Champions League. Clubs are considering whether to extend the window for a couple of weeks purely for deals involving Football League clubs, who have been badly affected by coronavirus pandemic.
A final decision has not been reached but they are likely to make the final decision at a Premier League meeting on the 24th of July. They will also discuss the start of the 2020/21 season, they will be Launching the new season on the 12th of September.
