VAR to be used at World Cup, FIFA will monetize replays
"Definitely VAR will happen," FIFA chief commercial officer Philippe Le Floc'h told The Associated Press. "It's great to have technology in football because this is also a fair(ness) thing."
Referees were assisted for the first time by high-tech aids at a World Cup in 2014 when goal-line technology was used. That system sees a message instantly flash on referees' watches saying only whether the ball crossed the line.
In true FIFA form, the governing body plans to monetize VAR. Video replays could lead to delays in games in Russia as different angles are reviewed, presenting an opportunity for FIFA to brand up the segment on the global broadcast feed.
"We are talking to various technological companies who are very interested with what we are doing on the technology side of things," Floc'h said on board the World Cup trophy tour plane during a stop at London Stansted Airport.
The final decision on allowing replays to become part of the rules of the game falls to the International Football Association Board on March 2 when its annual meeting is held at FIFA.