World Cup 2018: How will VAR work at the tournament?

World Cup VAR: The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has brought tons of questions with it. Soccer fans want them answered before the World Cup starts. How will it work? How will it look? And when can it be used? Thanks to FIFA, we’ve actually got all these answers.

World Cup VAR: When can it be used?

While there have already been multiple “confusing” moments during VAR use over the past few months, FIFA seems to believe it has come pretty close to perfecting the system.

The system will be used for “specific incidents involving match changing situations. What the hell does that boil down to? FIFA has got it down to four key factors.

The VAR team will support the referee’s decision-making process in four match changing situations.

1. Goals and offences leading up to a goal
2. Penalty decisions and offences leading up to a penalty
3. Direct red card incidents
4. Mistaken identity.

Throughout the match, the VAR will be “constantly” checking for mistakes related to these four scenarios.

Read: A 2018 Russia World Cup stadium looks a lot like a South African one

The team will ONLY communicate with the referee for “clear and obvious errors or serious missed incidents.

World Cup VAR: How will it look?

The referee can delay the restart of play at any time to communicate with the VAR team. Fans and players will know this is happening as he will point to his ear.

If the team or the referee decides that the incident is reviewable, an official review will be indicated. The referee will then be seen moving his arms in the outline of a square TV screen.

The ref will then be able to go to the side of the pitch to review the incident himself on a small TV screen or monitor.

VAR for the viewer on TV

For us South Africans watching at home on TV, FIFA has promised that a picture in picture format will be used while the VAR team does its work.

Viewers will see three boxes on their screens. The big one will show replays, live group shots and close-ups of the players involved. The top small box will then show the referee at all times.

The bottom box will show mainly the team coaches but also the live feed from the VAR room. A graphic at the bottom of the screen will also indicate exactly what match offence is under review.

Fans in the actual stadium will also be less confused as a similar feed will be broadcast on the big screen.

World Cup VAR: Who is on the VAR team?

While there is just one Video Assitant Referee, there are also three assistant video assistant referees (AVAR). Working with the team, four replay operators will select and provide the best angles from all relevant broadcast cameras. An addition two offside cameras will also be used.

This team will not be in the stadium, they will instead be working from the broadcast centre in Moscow.

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It’s definitely still a bit confusing and there will no doubt still be controversial moments. At least now, fans will have some idea of what exactly is happening.