by Editorial Staff

For every passionate football fan, the debate around refereeing decisions is arguably  as old as the game itself. From "penalty!" shouts to contentious offside calls, a single moment can swing the balance of a match, and perhaps impact an entire season. In the modern era, where world-class competitions are regulated by the most advanced Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technologies, a new movement is happening in the tiers below. 

As we approach the tentpole moment of the FIFA World Cup set to take place in North America this summer, the urgency to close the ‘technology gap’ is evident at a global level across all football competitions. High costs and complex infrastructures have historically kept video officiating tools out of reach for the lower levels of the global football pyramid. 

The introduction of Football Video Support (FVS) is a more cost-effective, scalable answer to officiating fairness, to elevate the level of competitions across lower tiers. In this blog post we learn what FVS is, and how it can help writing a new chapter for officiating of the beautiful game. 

More Than Just VAR: What Is FVS?

At its core, FVS represents a paradigm shift in how technology is integrated into football. Unlike the comprehensive VAR systems seen in elite competitions, which require extensive infrastructure and a dedicated team of video officials, the FVS protocol is a ‘lightweight’ alternative designed for leagues with more modest resources.

Typically utilising a lower number of cameras, FVS eliminates big camera plans. The most significant of the ‘FVS vs VAR’ differences lies in its protocol: FVS is strictly challenge-based. There is no ‘silent check’ happening in the background; instead, the action only pauses for a review when a head coach triggers a formal challenge. This ensures that the referee remains the sole, central decision-maker on the pitch, while providing a vital safety net for clear and obvious errors without the high overhead of a traditional VAR setup.

The Coach Challenge

The introduction of the coach challenge is arguably one of the most strategically impactful elements of FVS. Under the FIFA Video Support trial and its formal protocol, head coaches are empowered with a limited number of opportunities – two per match – to request a review of a potentially game-changing incident. 

The process is clear and immediate: a visual ‘Twirl & Card’ signal from the coach to the referee, triggering a review. This dynamic engagement ensures that only genuinely contentious moments – goals, penalties, sending-offs, and instances of mistaken identity – lead to a pause in play, putting a new layer of tactical decision-making in the hands of the manager.

Hawk-Eye: A Technology-first Proposition

When it comes to implementing effective FVS, the underlying technology makes all the difference. This is where the Hawk-Eye FVS solution stands apart. Our expertise in sports officiating technology ensures unparalleled reliability, even with a reduced camera footprint. 

We leverage our advanced multi-angle replay technology (SMART) to maximise the utility of the camera feeds, providing crystal-clear evidence to the referee.

Hawk-Eye’s stack also prioritises ease of use. Our simplified video assistant referee setup features intuitive pitch-side monitors and streamlined workflows for the local replay operator, minimising training time and ensuring matchday operations are smooth. 

Why This Matters

FVS democratises fairness by providing a more affordable football officiating solution to lower leagues and grassroots. Even though utilising a lower hardware footprint and implementing less complex operations, it ensures that critical errors no longer go uncorrected. As technology for youth football and the women’s game keeps evolving, FVS offers a scalable, high-impact solution, proving that officiating integrity doesn't require an elite price point.

Conclusions: Bringing Accuracy to All

In an era where technology continues to reshape sports, Football Video Support stands as a true commitment to fairness at every level. It’s not about replacing the human element of officiating but rather empowering it with precise, accessible tools.

The advent of FVS signals that advanced video review is no longer the exclusive domain of elite leagues. Instead, it’s become a tangible reality for youth tournaments and lower tiers of competitive football, worldwide. At Hawk-Eye, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this revolution, providing robust, reliable, and cost-effective VAR alternative solutions that uphold the integrity of football, from a local derby to international clashes.

Interested in learning more? Get in touch with us today, and speak to our teams to discuss your current project.