Gianni Infantino gave a positive assessment of the so-called video “video assistant referee” after testing the technology in Germany’s 0-0 draw with Italy. “We are very happy,” said the FIFA President after the game at the Guiseppe-Meazza Stadium in Milan. “Of course not everything is perfect yet, but we are still in the process of testing it.”
The system was used on three occasions in the second half, in order to come to the assistance of Portuguese official Artur Soares Dias. The question of “penalty or no penalty” was asked twice and was also put into action when Kevin Volland had a goal ruled out for offside. “And in all three cases, the video referee confirmed the decision immediately,” said Infantino.
Infantino: “It has to become second nature”
People will now “see how the system works and will be tested further,” the FIFA President explained. “It has to become second nature”. The next step is to put in place a monitor on the sidelines, “which referees would be able to see for themselves should there be any doubt over a decision.”
The “video assistant referee” was deployed internationally for just the second time in the match on Tuesday evening and was the first occasion it has been used in a game involving Germany. The system made its international premiere in September during the clash between Italy and runners up at Euro 2016 France.
Video evidence is currently being trialled offline in the Bundesliga, which means that there is no contact between the assistants and the referee. It is expected that the video assistant referee will subsequently be put into use in the 2017/2018 season. The International Football Association (IFAB) will make a final decision on whether or not to fully introduce video evidence in 2018.