CARSON, Calif. – Major League Soccer and the Professional Referee Organization announced on Friday that live, in-game testing of the Video Assistant Referee initiative has begun for select preseason matches.
The VAR initiative consists of an additional referee positioned in a booth with technology that offers access to video from every available broadcast camera angle. A communications system will then allow the VAR to alert and consult the head referee of errors in four specific “game-changing” situations: Goals, penalty calls, direct red-card incidents, and cases of mistaken identity.
“During this preseason phase of testing, PRO will be keen on identifying consistent decision-making and fine-tuning referee-to-VAR communications,” said PRO GM Peter Walton in a statement. “These valuable trainings will provide real-time review opportunities and will serve as a stepping stone for in-game testing during the MLS regular season.”
The VAR system made its debut during a 1-1 draw between Real Salt Lake and the San Jose Earthquakes in a preseason exhibition in Tucson. The VAR was utilized in one play when it confirmed a penalty-kick decision against the Earthquakes. VAR will be in use at the Desert Diamond Cup in Tucson, the Portland Invitational Tournament, the Carolina Challenge Cup, and the IMG Invitational.
The system has also been used in USL matches since last August when the VAR was implemented in five New York Red Bulls II matches.
