CUP GETS BOOT UP THE VARS
SFA set to introduce video referees next season but SPFL say they’re too skint
THE SFA are set to introduce video assistant referees in the Scottish Cup next season.
But the SPFL have admitted they could be too skint to introduce VARs to top-flight games for the new campaign. Their frank admission comes just weeks after they also revealed they could not justify the £3million it would cost to fit our leading stadia with goalline technology.
The SFA are set to lead the way in
the later stages of their own domestic showpiece competition as they prepare to join forces with FIFA and the other British associations to back the introduction of video technology across the worldwide game after a two-year study.
They make up the International Football Association Board and will review the findings later this month from 14 nations, including England, who have been trialling the technology.
It will then to go the IFAB agm in Switzerland in March but it is likely to be passed fit for purpose and rolled out in the summer in any nation that can afford its introduction.
It could even be used in the Scottish Cup next season, most likely from the quarter-finals, potentially creating an inconsistency with Premiership games.
An SPFL spokesman said: “We await with interest the recommendations from IFAB later this month.
“Similar to goalline technology, however, we have to acknowledge the cost of VARs may be unaffordable for SPFL clubs given that currently only around one quarter of matches are produced for live broadcast.”
IFAB technical director David Elleray, a former top referee, reckons between six to eight cameras are needed for VARs to operate effectively and fairly.
However, at present a minimum of only four cameras are used for Premiership matches in the SPFL that are not broadcast live on the BBC, Sky and BT Sport.
Scottish football fans could be left short-changed again, tuning into Match of the Day on Saturday night to see Premier League highlights featuring VARs, only to watch Sportscene the next day without the additional eyes.
The SFA are awaiting the IFAB decision before undertaking a costing but it will be nowhere near as much as introducing goalline technology.
The number of cameras remains an issue and there would be a cost associated with additional referee fees and ongoing education.
An SFA spokesman said they would embrace VARs “if it proved affordable”.
SFA referees’ chief John Fleming said: “I could resource the Premiership but not the Championship, League One or League Two.
“It would be my duty to scope and cost the required resources. If the use of VARs are passed by IFAB it would be open to anyone to take on board.”