LFP approved using VAR starting next season

CAIRO – 16 December 2017: The board of directors of the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) has approved on Thursday the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR), starting the next season.

The VAR will be applied to verify the legality of the scored goal, a play with a possible penalty, a direct red card, as well as to correctly identify a sanctioned player.

The LFP began using the VAR in the qualifying rounds of the French Cup last May.

The VAR has already been the subject of controversy in the French national team’s friendly matches, where this technology has also been used.

France played in March against Spain and in June against England in two friendly matches; VAR was implemented in both matches.

French national coach, Didier Deschamps, considered his team harmed by the VAR, which deprived them of a goal against the Spaniards and resulted in a red card against the English.

The VAR is already in use in Germany, Italy and Portugal. However, some errors in the application of the system have led to criticism regarding its management.

Javier Tebas, president of the Spanish Football League, also confirmed that FIFA has given its approval for the VAR to be implemented next season in Spanish football.