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The war is clear”- Pierluigi Collina’s Shocking New ‘Alternative VAR’ Plans Could Change Celtic’s Fate
VAR’s Ongoing Controversy and FIFA’s Proposed Solution: Could a New System Benefit Celtic?
Since its introduction in October 2022, VAR has been a major source of frustration for Celtic supporters, sparking more debates than it has resolved. Two years later, the technology continues to challenge both the patience of football fans and the integrity of officiating, with Celtic often at the center of contentious calls. While VAR has occasionally worked in the Hoops’ favor, glaring errors still persist, and it appears FIFA is exploring alternatives to improve the system.
FIFA’s New ‘Alternative VAR’ and the Potential Impact on Celtic
FIFA is reportedly trialing an alternative to traditional VAR called Football Video Support (FVS), which would allow coaches to challenge certain decisions during matches. According to an ESPN report, FIFA is seeking approval from the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to test this new system further. FVS is designed to make officiating more accessible and affordable, particularly for smaller nations like Scotland, which struggle to implement full-scale VAR due to budget and staffing limitations.
How FVS Works
Unlike traditional VAR, which relies on a network of cameras and dedicated video officials, FVS would work with fewer cameras — ideally between four and five — making it a more budget-friendly solution. This limited setup means FVS wouldn’t be able to provide the same level of detail as VAR, especially when it comes to offside decisions. However, it would still allow managers to challenge up to two key decisions per game, giving them more control without significantly disrupting the flow of play.
FIFA acknowledges that VAR’s high operational costs and complex technology have made it difficult for smaller football associations, like Scotland’s, to afford. With FVS, FIFA hopes to provide a simpler, more cost-effective alternative that could help referees make better decisions with fewer resources.
Pierluigi Collina’s Take on FVS
Former FIFA referee Pierluigi Collina highlighted the differences between VAR and FVS, stressing that expectations need to be realistic. “Because of the limited number of cameras, FVS won’t be able to provide the same level of detail that VAR does. For instance, offside decisions will only be made if there is clear evidence, meaning the on-field referee’s decision will still play a crucial role,” Collina explained.
He added that FVS could be a viable option for competitions with fewer resources, noting that many football associations worldwide cannot implement VAR due to financial and logistical constraints. “While VAR is used in over 200 competitions, many others are unable to afford it. FVS is an affordable alternative that could help referees in more competitions,” Collina said.
Celtic’s Potential Challenges Under the New System
If FVS had been in place this season, Celtic could have challenged several key VAR decisions. Brendan Rodgers might have used the system to contest contentious calls that have affected the team’s performance, such as the controversial decisions in their recent match against Hearts. With the possibility of a wrong call costing Celtic a title or critical points, having the ability to challenge decisions in real-time would be a significant step forward.
While the introduction of FVS wouldn’t eliminate all mistakes, it would give managers a chance to influence decisions directly, ensuring a fairer outcome. This is something that could benefit all teams, not just Celtic, as every club deserves the opportunity to have crucial decisions reviewed in real-time.
