FIFA has confirmed a significant change to its video assistant referee procedures for the upcoming World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina. The match is scheduled for this Wednesday in Atlanta.
Instead of relying solely on the central hub at the International Broadcast Centre in Dallas, FIFA will station a VAR team directly at the stadium. These on-site officials will serve as a safety measure to handle any potential technical or communication failures during the broadcast.
Dan Hunt, representing the Organising Committee, told Sport Bible that the move addresses the physical demands placed on match officials. He noted that observing the action on such a large field is difficult for the small crew of four referees. While Hunt welcomed the addition of on-site staff, he admitted uncertainty regarding the specific communication protocols.
The tournament has seen ongoing controversy regarding VAR consistency. Argentina has enjoyed several favorable calls during their campaign, while England has faced various disadvantages throughout the event.
