The English Football League canvassed feedback from clubs after a presentation by Professional Game Match Officials at its annual meeting, and clubs were strongly against any video review system. According to BBC Sport, the idea of introducing FVS is closed for the foreseeable future and unlikely to be resurrected in a year. Clubs fear the impact on the game for supporters and the cost of introducing video technology, which drove their opposition.
The proposed FVS system is a variation of VAR that requires fewer resources and gives each coach two reviews per game. In FVS, there is no actual VAR, only a replay operator presenting camera angles to the match referee at the pitchside monitor. Each coach gets two challenges per match, and if a challenge is successful, the manager keeps it.
Professional Game Match Officials gave a presentation about FVS at the EFL's annual meeting last month, as part of the feedback process. This system has been trialed for the past two years in leagues with fewer cameras and officials, such as the third division of men's football and the top flight of women's football in Spain, and in Serie C in Italy. FVS was expanded to the Canadian Premier League this month, adding to its international trials.
Internationally, VAR is used in the second divisions in Spain, Italy, and Germany, providing a contrast to the Championship's rejection. Meanwhile, Goal Line Technology will continue to be used in the Championship, and there will be a cost-based analysis before a vote in June to extend it into League One. Several Championship managers have called for VAR to be introduced in recent months, showing support for video technology despite the clubs' decision.
Broader developments in football technology include the International FA Board undertaking a two-year review of VAR. The Football Association will push for a trial scheme of FVS. Additionally, Arsene Wenger's daylight offside rule was used for the first time in Canada last weekend, with Pacific FC striker Alejandro Diaz scoring the first goal allowed under this new rule in the Canadian Premier League.