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FIFA VAR Bosses Want To Use Robots To Replace Linesmen And Assistant Referees

FIFA VAR Bosses Want To Use Robots To Replace Linesmen And Assistant Referees

VAR has been a controversial new feature of this new Premier League season, but FIFA have even more ideas with technology going forward...

Dan Marland

Dan Marland

FIFA are exploring the possibility of getting rid of linesmen and other officials on match day and bizarrely replacing them with robots.

In an exclusive Mirror report, it's been revealed a specific department has been created by FIFA to explore the impact technology could have on football.

If the findings rule in favour of the technology then it's possible that the infamous offside flag could become a thing of the past.

An insider confirmed to Mirror Online: "FIFA already have a department set up researching into these exact areas.


VAR has been one controversial use of technology (Image
PA)

"Will they replace referee assistants completely with cameras and computers ruling offsides and throw-ins? It could happen one day."

We could be a few years away from seeing this technology included in the game.

Despite this, the thought of robots replacing match officials will come as a shock following the controversy VAR is still often seeped in.

Many football fans are still VAR sceptics so the ambition for more technology may need to be calmed by the bigwigs.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is a huge VAR advocate so the ambition for more technology doesn't seem to be ending any time soon.

Image
PA

Premier League VAR chief Neil Swarbrick has defended VAR and denied that control is being taken away from referees during matches.

He also stated that the concerns of VAR ruining celebrations due to fans being unaware if a goal will inevitably stand after it's scored.

Speaking to the Daily Star per The Mirror, the former referee stated:

"It's because people are not used to it yet. Sometimes it provides even more entertainment."


Raheem Sterling protests his goal against West Ham United being ruled as offside (Image
PA)

We're three weeks into VAR's inaugural Premier League season and it's been a huge talking point throughout.

Manchester City have felt the consequences in two games so far, with Raheem Sterling being ruled offside by his arm.

They were also denied two points against Tottenham Hotspur following a VAR review which judged Aymeric Laporte's involvement in Gabriel Jesus' potential winner as handball.


Gabriel Jesus protests his goal against Tottenham being ruled out (Image
PA)

Fans within stadiums during games have voiced concerns at how poorly the information is presented to the crowd.

Whereas TV viewers also bemoan the way it can grind games to a halt.


Or in the case of Liverpool vs Norwich on the opening evening, halt the start of a half due to a technical issue.

Regardless of the public opinion, technology seems to be entering the game at a rapid pace.

Furthermore, the debate surrounding it will surely rage on.

What do you think about technology taking a prominent role in football? Sound off in the comments below.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Referees, Premier League, VAR