June 26 – Whilst the system of video assistant referees being used at the FIFA Confederations Cup has generated controversy, it seems to be a hit with Russian authorities who are in discussions with FIFA about keeping the system in place for domestic games.
The president of Russia’s Football Union, deputy prime minister Vitaly Mutko, told reporters in Kazan on Saturday, ahead of Russia’s clash with Mexico: “I have asked FIFA to leave the system at the four stadiums and FC Krasnodar has asked for it as well.”
According to Mutko the system is pricey but Russia is looking at implementing the system more widely: “We are at the stage of talks about how to do this. Our specialists are working with FIFA specialists on this. There are things to think about, but overall the system gives more objectivity and more confidence to each team.”
The implementation of VAR faced further criticism after Sunday’s game between Germany and Cameroon in which the referee sent a player off in a case of mistaken identity (although this was corrected thanks to the referee checking the replay) in an incident where if the player concerned should have been sent off, so should have been his opponent.
The debate, which FIFA called for, around the new system is increasingly focusing on the failure of VAR to improve refereeing significantly, whilst significantly affecting enjoyment of the game.
However, the position of the Russian Federation will be music to the ears of the FIFA top brass, who appear intent on implementing the system for the 2018 World Cup, a decision which may prove as popular amongst supporters generally as allowing the use of the vuvuzela in the 2010 World Cup.
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