The IFAB has given the green light after some tests in Mexico and Portugal: the referees will hold a microphone like in NFL.
The era of VAR is set to undergo a new and significant revolution: IFAB (International Football Association Board) has given the green light for Premier League referees to explain their VAR-related decisions directly on the field, in real-time. Similar to NFL and NHL, they will use a microphone, allowing spectators in the stands and TV audiences to hear the explanations.
Referees will communicate with the involved players, providing reasons for specific decisions made after VAR consultations or on-field reviews. This dialogue will be audible to everyone, including fans.
Official confirmation is expected at the General Assembly in March, and if the clubs in the Premier League give the final approval, the experimentation will commence in the upcoming season. Tests were conducted in various parts of the world last year, especially in the Mexican league and the Portuguese League Cup. Howard Webb, the head of English referees and a former referee himself, has been one of the main advocates for this revolution, aiming to enhance transparency and, theoretically, reduce doubts and controversies.
Given our Serie A was among the first leagues to experiment with VAR, the FICG will carefully follow the situation and the outcome of these developments. And if the experiment proves successful, don’t be surprised if by 2025/26 season, we will have Italian referees explaining decisions immediately.
