FIFA Tests New Football Video Support at U-20 World Cup

Santiago, Oct 7 (AP) – At the Under-20 World Cup in Chile, FIFA is trialing an innovative review system that permits coaches to contest two referee decisions per match. This football video support (FVS) system serves as a streamlined version of VAR, transforming the tournament into a testing ground for cutting-edge technologies.

Coaches are issued cards in hues of blue and purple to request reviews during the game. The system’s implementation has significantly influenced the outcomes of several matches across Santiago, Valparaíso, Rancagua, and Talca during the group stage. FVS has been employed in over a dozen matches early in the tournament.

The system was debuted when South Korea's coach, Lee Chang-Won, utilized a card during their opening match against Ukraine to contest a penalty call, although the referee ultimately dismissed the request. Since then, the review system has featured in several matches, including seven out of 12 games in the group stage's first round.

In Norway's narrow 1-0 triumph over Nigeria, FVS was pivotal after a handball by Nigeria's Ahmed Akinyele was overlooked by the American referee Joe Dickerson. Moreover, FVS disallowed a goal in Argentina's 4-1 victory over Australia, negating a potential equalizer for the Socceroos.

Mexico benefited from the system by overturning a penalty decision during their 2-2 draw with Spain. The FVS also resulted in Paraguay winger Enso González receiving a red card for kicking South Korea striker Hyeon-oh Kim.

Unlike VAR, which relies on specialized cameras and a team of officials, FVS operates with referees reviewing decisions based on regular television broadcast images, eliminating additional support. FIFA’s goal with FVS is to democratize soccer by offering video review technology as a cost-effective, simpler alternative to VAR, making it accessible for all competition levels.

Reviews can only be requested in four specific situations: determining the validity of a goal, assessing penalties, addressing direct red card incidents, or ensuring the right player is penalized. FIFA previously tested FVS in events like the 2024 Youth Championship/Blue Stars in Switzerland and the 2025 Under-20 Women's World Cup in Colombia, planning further expansion into other youth categories.

The system has garnered mixed opinions, with some applauding it as a beneficial tool to minimize game interruptions. Chile coach Nicolás Córdova expressed approval despite losing 2-0 to Japan, praising the system for not frequently stopping play.

However, its critics include fans who are frustrated by protracted decision-making times. Brazilian fan Tiago Dias cited an additional 10 minutes in gameplay during Brazil's 2-1 defeat against Morocco due to prolonged review times.

Meanwhile, coaches like Morocco's Mohamed Ouahbi have vowed to maximize the use of FVS regardless of clear violations, highlighting its strategic advantage. “I'll use the card as long as I have the option. We have two cards, and we must use them,” Ouahbi commented. (AP)

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