Football Governing Body, FIFA Takes Full Control Of VAR Amid Discrepancies -

FIFA has taken full operational control of Video Assistant Referees [VARs], world football’s governing body has informed all associations.

Mattias Grafstrom, FIFA’s deputy general secretary for football, told all 211 associations in a letter on June 29.

Grafstrom’s letter states: “We are proud that the introduction of VARs has been a universal success, with the implementation of the VAR system now complete in over 100 competitions globally.

“Following the successful launch period where FIFA worked in conjunction with The IFAB, we would like to inform you that all VAR-related activities will now transfer to FIFA.”

All VAR-related questions, comments or suggestions have been directed to the Football Governing Body from July 1.

The World Football Governing Body will continue to work with IFAB on matters involving VAR protocol, the Laws of the Game or approval requirements.

IFAB secretary Lukas Brud has told Sky Sports News it was always the intention for VAR’s operational plans to be taken over by the Body.

Last December Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s chief of global football development, called on Premier League referees to use pitchside monitors before making decisions using VAR.

“That, for me, is the most important worry,” said Wenger, after a meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in Belfast.