FIFA plans to centralize the VAR system in order to curb the variation in the rules of technology utilization, like in the Premier League.
The Video Assistant Referee has been a hot topic of discussion this season because of its ongoing irregularity and resentments among fans over its utilization.
Now, Pierluigi Collina the Italian former World Cup referee and chairman of Fifa’s Referees’ Committee, told Reuters the move was a “natural transition”.
“Ifab as an organization has the duty to govern the laws of football, including VAR and the protocol and regulations. Once the laws of the game are set, Ifab’s job is over,” he said.
“It is then Fifa that deals with referees’ education around the world supporting all the member associations.” There have been some variations in the use of VAR in different competitions and national leagues, but Collina said there should be a uniform approach.
FIFA plans to have uniform rules
“Another responsibility of Fifa’s is to have the laws of the game implemented all over the world in the same way, there cannot be a different implementation of the laws of the game in different continents or different countries. Our responsibility is to ensure that football is played in the same way all over the world.
“Can you imagine in the international competition played by teams who are used to having different interpretations of the laws of the game in their domestic competition?
“Saying that VAR should be used in the same way all over the world is something obvious. Of course, there can be some small differences, but the general implementation should be the same.”
“It is Fifa and Ifab’s responsibility to have the game played the same way across the world, for the benefit of those who are playing,” he said.
Speaking generally, Collina said Fifa wanted to avoid situations where players in an international tournament faced surprise decisions.
“If something is written in the laws of the game, it has to be implemented everywhere, otherwise can you imagine the surprise of someone who is penalized for something in an international game that he is not penalized for at home?
“Maybe they would not be aware of what they can do? If something in the laws of the game doesn’t work, then it is discussed and eventually changed by Ifab,” he said.
