FIFA’s Semi‑Automated VAR Set to Make the Qatar World Cup a Breeze
Gianni Infantino spilled a big secret this Monday: the world’s football governing body is almost ready to roll out a semi‑automated tool that’ll cut the time the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) spends deliberating. The goal? A quicker, cleaner broadcast for fans in Doha and beyond.
What’s Inside the New VAR Gimmick?
Picture a robot that spots the ball, snaps 3‑D snapshots of every player’s position, and instantly tells the referee if someone caught off‑side. Off‑side decisions will be made in seconds – a huge win for both players and TV studios trying to keep the ball moving.
Trials Are Running Smoothly
Infantino told reporters at a Club World Cup test that the system was “looking very good.” He’s confident they’ll have a final decision before the tournament kicks off. The referee committee’s head, Pierluigi Collina, also cheered, calling the approach “promising.”
Other Big Laws of the Game Tweaks
- Five Substitutes – yes, that’s the new norm. It’s permanent now, though each league can decide when to let teams switch it on.
- Bench Expansion – from 12 to 15 substitutes on the bench.
- Safety for Referees – body cameras to deter attacks and gather evidence, reinforcing that referees deserve respect, not threats.
- Time‑keeping Overhaul – trials to bring match duration closer to a full 90 minutes of actual play.
How It All Goes Down
These changes are live from July 1, so the next season’s Premier League will finally have the five‑sub system they initially tested during the pandemic. Meanwhile, Europa is still on “tweak‑and‑see” ground, planning more trials in junior tournaments across Italy, the Netherlands, and Sweden.
Why It Matters
“In 90 minutes, the ball’s on the field for only about 47–48 minutes,” Infantino warned. “We’re gonna gut that. It’s about fairness for teams and entertainment for fans.” With semi‑automated VAR, the hope is a game where the referee’s decisions feel almost instant, keeping the drama where it belongs – on the pitch.
This isn’t just another tech upgrade; it’s a fresh look at how football can merge tradition with a touch of automation while keeping the “human element” alive.
