Major League Soccer and the Professional Referee Organization (PRO) announced Monday that live, in-game testing of video assistance for referees is being conducted during select MLS preseason games.
Video Assistant Referee (VAR) testing employs video technology with the aim of reducing referee errors in the following four, game-changing situations:
- Goals
- Penalty kick decisions
- Direct red card incidents
- Cases of mistaken identity.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber announced VAR during his 2016 State of the League press conference. MLS will now take steps to implement VAR into select regular season matches during the second half of 2017, following the 2017 MLS All-Star Game on Aug. 2.
During the testing period, communication between the referee and the VAR will be perfected, ensuring a clear and efficient exchange with the goal of avoiding in-game delays. Fifteen MLS clubs will participate in preseason games that will incorporate VAR testing.
VAR debuted in MLS last Friday during a friendly between Real Salt Lake and the San Jose Earthquakes, confirming a penalty kick in the 88th minute.
In conjunction with ongoing VAR testing, video review testing will occur at all 22 MLS venues during MLS matches from March through August.
All testing conducted by MLS runs in compliance with the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the universal decision-making body for the sport. According to the announcement, the IFAB intends to make a decision on VAR in 2018 or 2019.
For more information about VAR, visit the FIFA website and view this FAQ document.
