VAR ready for Russia

VAR is set to be used at the World Cup in Russia after the system was given the go-ahead by football’s lawmakers.

Use of the technology has attracted widespread criticism when it has been used in the FA Cup with delays and confusion over the decision process.

But yesterday the International Football Association Board “unanimously approved” the introduction of VAR on a permanent basis.

A final decision for use at the World Cup will be taken at a meeting on March 16.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: “We came to the conclusion that VAR is good for football and referees, it brings more fairness to the game. For these reasons we have decided to approve it.”