Video: HNS Meets with IFAB and FIFA to Discuss VAR Introduction

During a day-long course, IFAB Project Manager for VAR Dirk Schlemmer and FIFA Football Innovation Manager Daniele Diana explained in detail all of the phases of introducing and using the VAR system. President of the Referees Committee and HNS Project Manager for VAR Ante Kulušić marked the meeting as historic in multiple ways:

"As we have seen today, introducing the VAR system at Croatian First Division matches and at the final match of the Croatian Cup is one of the biggest projects that HNS has initiated in its history. Our guests from IFAB and FIFA spent a total of six hours presenting the details of the introduction procedure, the phases of education and testing, and the complexity of the technology which forms the basis for introducing and using VAR. After the presentation, which was attended by technology partners from Croatel and by project partners from HT, as well as by the referee instructors who are responsible for executing this project, we can see the scope of the challenge that lies ahead of us. Objectively, we need a year to set the system up and make sure it is ready to be used at matches, and - most importantly - to ensure that referees and technicians receive the necessary training. However, we will try to shorten this timeframe to a reasonable minimum."

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

Dirk Schlemmer of IFAB showed his happiness at the fact that the VAR concept has been met with acceptance from responsible persons within HNS, which is proof of openness to new ideas and trends, and of willingness to bring referee mistakes to a minimum, in so far as today's technology allows it:

"It is important that, since day one, all parties - the people in the FA, the referees, the coaches and the players, the press, the spectators, the fans - have a clear understanding of the situation. VAR is a support system which can act as an element that prevents potential major mistakes. VAR is not a referee; the main referee on the pitch remains the key man in making the decisions and applying the rules of the game. I saw today that all those present at the meeting and the presentation understood everything HNS must do in order to receive FIFA's approval to use VAR.  I am happy that all participants showed a deep knowledge of the material, and that long-term cooperation with a technology partner is already in place, which can be hugely important. I know that everyone wants to have VAR up and running as soon as possible; however, I warmly recommend that the referees and the FA give themselves time for introducing and testing the system, after which FIFA will give its approval. I believe that a year is a reasonable timeframe for introducing the system."

Within a week of this meeting, Croatian referees will learn about the details of introducing VAR at the upcoming Referees Seminar in Medulin. HNS has simultaneously initiated all the necessary administrative, financial, and organisational procedures for VAR introduction.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

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