Video Assistant Referees are a great initiative
Video Assistant Referees are on the cusp of being permanently approved in football and it has contributed positively so far.
Darren Maule, Sky Tshabalala and Benedict Ngwenya debate VARs. Listen to the podcast and read more below.
The VAR system is being tested out for the final time at the current FIFA Confederations Cup. We have already seen VARs overturning game-changing decisions which could have cost teams precious results, and that is exactly its desired effect.
The new innovation proved productive in the initial tests during last year's FIFA Club World Cup and this year's FA Cup semi-finals.
People are going to complain about the time it takes for VARs to review decisions, but it's less than the time it takes for players to sort themselves out after protesting against decisions.
It has eliminated mistakes and there have been no issues between players and referees for bad calls. Players know that the ultimate decision will now be spot on.
I'm glad that FIFA President Giovanni Infantino has been present in most games to see it in practice. The final decision lies with him, so it is important that he dissects its impact first hand.