When implementing a VAR video review system for your competitions, the technical infrastructure is a critical part of the project. Cameras, cabling, video transmission, and the equipment used to deliver the live feeds to the VAR and AVAR workstations must all be carefully designed and configured. To help ensure a reliable and compliant setup, this guide explains the key components and infrastructure required to build a VAR system correctly.

Camera Infrastructure 

The number of camera feeds required depends on the sport, the competition level, and the governing body’s regulations. Dartfish systems support up to eight camera inputs, with the option to receive an additional broadcast feed when a live television production is available. This flexibility allows each installation to be tailored to the customer’s operational needs while remaining compliant with FIFA’s VAR technology standards.

Camera placement is equally important. Cameras must be positioned strategically to maximize field coverage and provide clear viewing angles for critical match incidents. The exact locations are determined by the federation’s technical guidelines and the specific characteristics of the sport. The objective is to ensure that every key event can be reviewed from one or more optimal perspectives, allowing officials to make accurate and informed decisions.

In some competitions, an additional camera is installed in the Video Operation Room (VOR). This camera records the activities inside the review room for monitoring, auditing, or educational purposes, providing complete documentation of the decision-making process when required.

Camera Formats and Compatibility with Existing Broadcast Workflows

SDI Cameras

SDI remains the industry standard for live broadcast production due to its reliability and low latency. Many stadiums, arenas and OB (Outside Broadcast) vans are already equipped with these cameras. Our setup can then, reuse already existing broadcast cameras if available and deliver stable, frame-accurate video with minimal latency ready to be broadcasted.

IP Cameras

IP cameras are being often used thanks to their flexibility and simplified infrastructure. The video is transmitted over standard Ethernet networks, making them particularly suitable for permanent installations and venues where dedicated broadcast infrastructure might be limited. This kind of setup offers several advantages such as costs, easy deployment, simplified scalability when adding new cameras as well as a centralized management of multiple video sources.

Hybrid Environments

Many sports facilities operate hybrid infrastructure, combining both type of cameras. It’s especially common when broadcast production is handled by an external OB van while additional review cameras are permanently installed in the venue.

Darfish systems are designed to operate in these mixed environments, allowing both SDI and IP sources to be captured simultaneously. This enables organizations to leverage their existing investments while gradually transitioning toward modern IP-based production workflows.

Broadcast Compatibility

Compatibility extends beyond the physical connection. The video review system must also support the video formats used by broadcasters, including common resolutions and frame rates such as HD and Full HD at 50 or 60 fps, depending on the competition requirements and the region.

By supporting both traditional broadcast standards and modern IP technologies, Dartfish solutions can be integrated into virtually any sports venue—from local arenas to international competitions—without requiring major modifications to the existing production workflow. 

Broadcast Integration

One of the key considerations when deploying a video review system is its ability to integrate seamlessly with the existing broadcast infrastructure. Whether a competition is produced by an outside broadcast (OB) van, a centralized production facility, or a permanent venue installation, the review system should operate alongside the production workflow without disrupting it.

Integration with the OB Van

In most professional sporting events, the OB van acts as the central hub for all camera feeds. It receives signals from every camera, performs live production, and distributes the program feed to broadcasters. Rather than requiring dedicated cameras exclusively for video review, Dartfish systems can ingest the existing camera feeds directly from the OB van, reducing installation complexity and avoiding unnecessary duplication of equipment.

This approach allows the video review system to benefit from the same high-quality images used for the live broadcast while ensuring that referees have access to synchronized frame-accurate footage.

Minimal Impact on Production

The integration of the video review system is designed to be non-intrusive. Existing broadcast operations continue unchanged while the review system independently captures and records the required camera feeds. This ensures that television production teams can focus on delivering the live broadcast without additional operational constraints.

FIFA Requirements for VAR Football 

Compared to other sports, the use of VAR in football is governed by the VAR Protocol, which defines when video review can be used and the roles of the referee, VAR, and AVAR. While the VAR team provides support, the final decision always remains with the on-field referee. 

Official football competitions can only use FIFA-certified VAR solutions. The Dartfish VAR System is certified by FIFA and must be deployed and operated in accordance with FIFA’s technical and operational requirements. 

Competitions introducing VAR must also complete FIFA’s Implementation Assistance and Approval Programme (IAAP). This process ensures that the technology, operational procedures, and match officials meet FIFA’s standards before the system is approved for official use. 

Finally, VAR systems must be operated by certified VAR and AVAR officials. While Dartfish can rely on local partners for installation and maintenance, the system’s deployment and operation must always remain compliant with FIFA regulations and the IAAP framework. 

Camera numbers 

Fifa defines minimum camera requirements: 

• VAR: Minimum 4 Cameras with no upper limit. 
• VAR Light: Minimum 4 Cameras up to 8. 

Camera positions 

FIFA does not prescribe exact coordinates for every camera in the VAR regulations. Instead, it requires that the available cameras provide sufficient coverage to review incidents accurately. The actual positions depend on the competition and the stadium. 

However, FIFA’s stadium guidelines recommend standard broadcast camera locations, such as: 

• Main camera on the halfway line 
• 16-meter cameras 
• Behind-goal cameras. 
• Additional specialty cameras depending on the competition 

Higher-level competitions (e.g., FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League) specify detailed broadcast camera plans with mandatory positions, but these are competition-specific broadcast regulations, not universal VAR requirements. 

Dartfish VAR & Video Replay Solutions

Dartfish provides a complete ecosystem for video review, supporting sports federations, leagues, and event organizers throughout the entire lifecycle of a competition. From live officiating to official training, the platform is designed to be flexible, scalable, and easy to deploy across a wide range of sports.

Dartfish Video Review System

The Dartfish Video Review System is the core solution used during live competitions. It supports multiple synchronized video feeds from both SDI and IP cameras, allowing seamless integration with existing broadcast infrastructures as well as dedicated review cameras.

The system provides instant replay, synchronized multi-camera playback, frame-by-frame analysis, slow motion, and clip management through a simple and intuitive interface. Thanks to its lightweight architecture, it can be deployed as a permanent installation or transported between venues, making it suitable for competitions of any size.

Full VAR

The Full VAR solution is intended for top-level competitions where maximum coverage and redundancy are required. It supports a large number of synchronized camera feeds, multiple review officials, and complete integration with the existing broadcast production. This configuration provides the highest level of operational flexibility and is suitable for competitions with demanding technical requirements.

VAR Light

VAR Light offers the same review principles as a full VAR system but with a simplified operational model. It uses fewer cameras and requires less infrastructure, making it more affordable and easier to deploy. It is particularly well suited for national federations and professional leagues that want the benefits of video review without the complexity of a full-scale installation.

Football Video Support (FVS)

Football Video Support (FVS) is designed for competitions where implementing a traditional VAR operation would not be practical or financially viable. Instead of relying on a dedicated Video Operation Room with VAR and AVAR officials, the referee can request a video review using a limited number of camera angles. The system requires minimal infrastructure while still providing an additional level of decision support, making it an attractive solution for developing competitions and grassroots football.

VAR Kiosk

VAR Kiosk is a touchscreen interface integrated directly into the Dartfish software. It allows officials to access and control the video review workflow from a dedicated touch-enabled screen, without relying on a traditional keyboard-and-mouse setup.

The interface is designed for quick and intuitive operation during live events. Officials can select camera angles, control playback, review incidents in slow motion, and navigate frame by frame directly from the touchscreen.

VAR Kiosk can be used alongside the standard review workstation or as part of a simplified deployment. It is particularly suitable for compact installations, on-field review areas, and sports that require a straightforward, operator-friendly review interface.

Training Platform – VAR Classroom

Technology alone is not enough to ensure consistent officiating. Dartfish also provides a dedicated training platform that enables officials to practice review procedures using recorded matches and realistic scenarios.

The platform supports referee education, simulation exercises, certification programs, and post-match analysis. By reproducing real game situations, officials can familiarize themselves with the review workflow before operating the system during live competitions.

Flexible Deployment

Every competition has different operational requirements. For this reason, the Dartfish Video Review System can be deployed in two ways:

• Permanent Installation – The equipment remains installed in a dedicated venue, allowing competitions held regularly in the same stadium or arena to benefit from a ready-to-use system with minimal setup time.
• Mobile Installation – The complete system is transported in protective flight cases and deployed where needed. This option is ideal for federations and tournaments that operate across multiple venues while maintaining the same review capabilities at every location.

---

To Go Further