FIFA to allow Video referee in England friendly against Germany

A video referee will be used in England’s friendly with Germany at Wembley, the first time in an official game in the UK.

Matches between England and Germany have not been without controversial incidents in the past, such as Geoff Hurst’s goal in the 1966 World Cup final and Frank Lampard’s disallowed effort in the 2010 World Cup which was later shown to have crossed the line.

Last year a two-year test of the VAR system was approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). It sees assistant referees watching a game on TV screens, and being available to review four types of situation: goals, penalty/no penalty calls, straight red cards and cases of mistaken identity.

It is only to be used “to correct clear errors and for missed serious incidents” in those “match-changing” situations, the IFAB has said.

VARs and other match officials are able to recommend reviews, but the only person who can initiate one is the referee, who will then have the final say on whether their original decision should stand or be changed.

They have the option to review footage themselves on a pitch-side monitor before making a final decision.

UCJ, UNILORIN.