Valparaiso –
FIFA has a new breakthrough for the 2026 World Cup. The world football body introduced the VAR Card, what is it?
FIFA is currently testing the VAR card, also known as the Video Support Card (VSC), at the 2025 U-20 World Cup which is currently taking place in Chile. This is similar to the Challenge in badminton and tennis.
There are two VAR cards given to the coach of each team, namely purple and blue, as a distinction. This card may only be used by coaches or designated senior coaching staff.
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Each side gets two challenge spots. One share will be forfeited if the challenge is unsuccessful, while remaining intact if the challenge is accepted.
Players can also ask the coach to make a challenge, but the request must be made immediately after the incident occurs. To officially submit a challenge, the coach must twirl his fingers in the air then hand his card to the fourth official.
The use of VFS was carried out in the U-20 World Cup semifinal match between Morocco vs France, Thursday (16/10/2025). Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi brandished a purple card after his team’s penalty claim was ignored.
The referee then reviewed the replay on the pitchside monitor, but still did not change his decision. Fortunately, Morocco managed to advance to the final after winning on penalties.
However, every new rule has its pros and cons, and this is also the case with this VAR Card. The public believes that the VAR review process takes too long and can waste a lot of time.
A number of supporters believe that this system will actually be used as a tool to disrupt the opponent’s rhythm.
“This is clearly not going to be misused to waste time…,” said account X @krasmanalderey.
“The team that is left behind towards the end of the match will just make a challenge, and the referee has to go to the monitor to check for random events,” explained the X account @pincigoat
FVS will also be tested at the 2025 men’s and women’s U-17 World Cup. The U-17 Indonesian Men’s National Team has the opportunity to try out this new mechanism. A number of FIFA member countries are also scheduled to take part in trials later this year or early 2026.
FIFA plans to continue using FVS in competitions that will only be broadcast with a maximum of four cameras, unlike the sophisticated multi-camera systems used by the world’s top leagues.
(mrp/nds)
