How Football Video Support (FVS) Is Changing the Game for Referees and Coaches

In the 89th minute of a local cup final, a striker’s shot hit the crossbar and bounced just behind the line, but the referee allowed play to continue. Around the world, more than 3.5 billion spectators watch major football events every year. What if that moment could be reviewed?

Football Video Support (FVS) is a compact, scalable system that provides video decision support to referees and coaches, even beyond the elite leagues.

What is football video support (FVS)?

Football Video Support (FVS) is a FIFA-approved video review system designed to help referees make fairer, faster decisions during matches. Unlike VAR, which relies on multiple cameras and a centralized team, FVS offers a lighter and more accessible setup for leagues with smaller budgets.

Its goal is simple — to democratize video support in football and extend fair play to smaller federations and football associations. FVS was successfully tested at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, where referees used it to review key moments such as goals, penalties, and red cards. The feedback? Positive. Many federations see it as an affordable alternative to VAR.

How does FVS work in a match?

In a match setting, FVS is only activated under certain conditions and follows a clear process.

Step 1: Incident occurs, referee makes initial decision

During the match, an incident (goal, penalty, direct red card, or suspected mistaken identity) may occur. The referee makes an on-field decision based on what they see in real time, just as in a standard match. Videoreview is not automatic under FVS.

Step 2: Coach challenges via review request

If a team believes there has been a ‘clear and obvious error’, the head coach (or a senior team official) may immediately raise a finger in the air and submit a review request card to the fourth official. This triggers the VAR process.

Step 3: Review at the referee review area

The referee proceeds to the pitch-side Referee Review Area (RRA), where a review operator displays replay footage from available camera angles, slow motion, split screen, etc. The number of cameras is limited (1 to 4), since FVS is designed for simpler setups.

Step 4: Final decision based on video evidence

The referee retains full authority: they may overturn their original call only if the replay footage clearly shows a wrong decision or a serious missed incident. If inconclusive, the original decision stands.

Why FIFA introduced FVS: making video support accessible

For years, only elite competitions could afford VAR — a sophisticated but costly system requiring multiple cameras, trained officials, and dedicated control rooms. Many lower-tier leagues, youth competitions, and futsal tournaments were simply left behind.

A fairer game for all levels

That’s where FIFA’s Football Video Support (FVS) initiative comes in. The goal: to democratize video technology and bring fairness to every competition, from national youth leagues to regional cups. Instead of reserving technology for the World Cup or top professional federation, FVS ensures that even smaller federations can rely on objective replay assistance during key match moments.

Backed by IFAB and tested worldwide

The IFAB-approved trials and FIFA pilot tournaments, including at the U-20 World Cup, confirmed that FVS could deliver accurate results with fewer resources. These tests proved one thing: technology can support referees without excluding grassroots football.

FVS vs VAR: what’s the difference?

Although both systems aim to ensure fairness in the game, Football Video Support (FVS) and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) differ in how they work, the technology used, and the types of competitions for which they are intended.

Core differences in setup and operation

FVS was designed as a simplified, accessible alternative to VAR — a solution for federations and leagues that can’t afford the full setup.

The coach challenge: “Green Card” in action

Unlike VAR, FVS relies on a “coach challenge” system, similar to what’s seen in tennis or volleyball. Each team can request up to two video reviews per match by signaling and handing a green card to the fourth official. If the decision changes, the challenge is kept; if not, it’s lost.

This concept was tested during the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023, where coaches could challenge decisions like disallowed goals or penalty incidents. Early feedback from federations such as New Zealand and Uzbekistan suggested that the process increased fairness and transparency without delaying play.

In smaller leagues, such as FIFA pilot tournaments in Africa and South America, FVS has proven particularly useful. It provides referees with reliable support without the cost or complexity of a full VAR installation.

Benefits of FVS for Federations and Clubs

The introduction of Football Video Support (FVS) is a practical solution to make refereeing fairer and more accessible at all levels of the game.

A cost-effective system for all football competitions

For semi-professional, regional, and youth championships, investing in VAR has long been unrealistic. FVS changes that equation. Its lightweight video support system requires fewer cameras, minimal staff, and quick setup, making it a cost-effective alternative that fits the reality of smaller competitions.

Building fairness and trust

Beyond affordability, FVS builds transparency and confidence in every decision. By allowing coaches to request video reviews, the system promotes fairness and reduces the emotional pressure on referees — a critical factor in maintaining trust between officials, players, and fans.

Easy to train, ready to deploy

FVS can be implemented in just a few hours. It’s adaptable to multiple sports — from football to futsal — and simplifies training for referees and operators, ensuring consistent, credible officiating across every tournament and goal-line decision.

Dartfish: from VAR to FVS, a trusted FIFA partner

Beyond affordability, FVS builds transparency and confidence in every decision. By allowing coaches to request video reviews, the system promotes fairness and reduces the emotional pressure on referees — a critical factor in maintaining trust between officials, players, and fans.

A pioneer in video analysis

Renowned for its expertise in sports performance analysis and referee support systems, Dartfish has helped professional teams and federations worldwide improve their decision-making processes through advanced video tools.

FIFA-certified innovation

The Dartfish VAR Light system is officially certified by FIFA, meeting the same standards of reliability and synchronization required for elite competitions. This certification allows federations to use Dartfish’s solution in both national and international tournaments.

FAQ: everything you need to know About FVS

Before wrapping up, here are a few common questions about Football Video Support (FVS) and how it fits into the future of refereeing.

FVS replacing VAR?

No. FVS doesn’t replace VAR — it complements it. Think of it as a lighter, more flexible version designed for smaller leagues and youth tournaments that can’t afford full-scale VAR infrastructure.

When will FVS be fully implemented?

FIFA is currently conducting tests across youth and regional competitions, including futsal and U-20 tournaments, to refine the system before broader rollout.

How many cameras does FVS need?

Typically, between two and four cameras, depending on the competition setup and the stadium’s technical capabilities.

👉 With years of experience in FIFA-certified video systems, Dartfish now plays a key role in shaping the future of Football Video Support (FVS) — bridging the gap between professional VAR technology and affordable refereeing solutions for emerging leagues worldwide.

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