FIFA Referee Chief Backs VAR for Corners, But Warns Against Delay
Pierluigi Collina, chair of FIFA's referees committee, has expressed his support for using video assistant referee (VAR) technology to determine whether corners are correctly awarded at the World Cup next year. However, he emphasized that any such system must minimize delays to maintain the integrity of the game.
Collina pointed out that VAR can assess key corner-related decisions, such as determining whether the ball has fully crossed the line or which team last touched it. He acknowledged that one major challenge is reducing potential delay, particularly with corners where a 10-15 second pause typically occurs before the kick is taken.
"We should all strive to make correct decisions on the field of play," Collina stated. "It's disappointing if a competition's outcome hinges on an honest mistake made by the referee." He attributed his support for VAR in corner cases to this concern, highlighting that it would be undesirable for game outcomes to depend on such errors.
Collina emphasized that any VAR system must avoid introducing additional delays. He reasoned that even with the technology, it's challenging for referees to spot incorrect decisions during a corner kick within the limited timeframe available before play resumes.
While Collina acknowledged potential benefits from using AI-based innovations in other areas, his primary focus is on minimizing delay and ensuring accurate decision-making in high-stakes competitions like the World Cup.
Pierluigi Collina, chair of FIFA's referees committee, has expressed his support for using video assistant referee (VAR) technology to determine whether corners are correctly awarded at the World Cup next year. However, he emphasized that any such system must minimize delays to maintain the integrity of the game.
Collina pointed out that VAR can assess key corner-related decisions, such as determining whether the ball has fully crossed the line or which team last touched it. He acknowledged that one major challenge is reducing potential delay, particularly with corners where a 10-15 second pause typically occurs before the kick is taken.
"We should all strive to make correct decisions on the field of play," Collina stated. "It's disappointing if a competition's outcome hinges on an honest mistake made by the referee." He attributed his support for VAR in corner cases to this concern, highlighting that it would be undesirable for game outcomes to depend on such errors.
Collina emphasized that any VAR system must avoid introducing additional delays. He reasoned that even with the technology, it's challenging for referees to spot incorrect decisions during a corner kick within the limited timeframe available before play resumes.
While Collina acknowledged potential benefits from using AI-based innovations in other areas, his primary focus is on minimizing delay and ensuring accurate decision-making in high-stakes competitions like the World Cup.