Fifa may finally have made itself relevant again.
The governing body for world football is still in its honeymoon period with new boss Gianni Infantino at the helm, and he has made already made a significant impact judging by reports today.
According to various sources this afternoon, Fifa will begin a two year trial of video assistant referees from next season.
BREAKING: FIFA approve testing of video technology
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) March 5, 2016
The move could mean that football will come into line with sports such as tennis, cricket and rugby, in moving to technology to clear up any controversial decision.
However, the chances of seeing it in action at Anfield or in Camp Nou seems a bit remote as of yet.
Don't expect video assistance for referees in top leagues and competitions anytime soon. Live experiments until 2017/18 at the latest.
— Richard Conway (@richard_conway) March 5, 2016
So – live tests of video assistance for refs approved but no decision on where the trials will take place. 13 countries interested.
— Martyn Ziegler (@martynziegler) March 5, 2016
It also means the chances of seeing it at the World Cup in 2018 are a bit away yet but the four categories of what will be looked at in TV replays has been revealed.
One confederation and 12 football associations have expressed interest in trialling video assistance for refs, possible from 2017/18 season.
— Richard Conway (@richard_conway) March 5, 2016
Trials of video assistance for referees to focus on specific incidents:
– goals – inc. off-sides
– red cards
– mistaken identity
– penalties— Richard Conway (@richard_conway) March 5, 2016
Fifa explain how trails of video assistance for referees will work: pic.twitter.com/UM9o2KyXtp
— Richard Conway (@richard_conway) March 5, 2016
