Full kit for video refs

VAR (Video Assistant Refereeing) refs at the World Cup will wear the full kit in Russia – despite being in a room no-one can see.

The VAR system is set to make its debut at the World Cup after being trialled in competitions across the globe.

It can be used in four scenarios – after a goal has been scored, for penalty decisions, red card decisions or for a case of mistaken identity of a player who has been booked or sent off.

The calls are made in a secret location in Moscow, often miles from the stadiums, by top level refs.

And, somewhat bizarrely, those refs will have to wear the full kit – including top, shorts and socks – despite being in an office.

Pierluigi Collina, chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, explained: “I was asked why the VARs would have to wear a referees’ kit. It’s because they sweat like they do on the pitch, it’s not like watching a game on the couch while drinking coffee.

“It’s about avoiding major and obvious mistakes, not refereeing with technology, the goal has never been to check every minor incident.”

There are 35 referees on duty for the World Cup who will alternate between doing games on the pitch and in the VAR centre.

There will then be another 13 referees who officiate exclusively watching the control screens in the Video Operations Room.

Discussing how the system will work, Roberto Rosetti, in charge of VAR for FIFA, said: “There will be four video officials. The main VAR communicates with the central referee and can suggest whether he should come and check footage

“The VAR assistant No.1 follows the match live, the No.2 deals specifically with offsides and a third assistant is responsible for supporting the main VAR, to verify the respect of protocol and ensure good communication between the team.”

There will be two additional cameras used at the World Cup, exclusively dedicated to offside decisions.

Sebastian Runge, head of FIFA’s Technology Innovation Group, said these will be “installed at a height to reinforce an area that, despite the 33 cameras used by broadcasters, was not covered optimally”. – Express Newspapers