This archive report was first published on 26 August 2019.
August 26, 2019, marked a significant development in the world of football as FIFA began probing the possibility of replacing linesmen with robots.
Assistant referees could become a thing of the past as a specific department has been created to explore the influence of technology on football.
According to an insider, FIFA already has a department researching into these areas, and the possibility of replacing referee assistants completely with cameras and computers ruling offsides and throw-ins is not far-fetched.
“Will they replace referee assistants completely with cameras and computers ruling offsides and throw-ins? It could happen one day,” the insider confirmed.
While it may be a few years away from becoming reality, the thought of virtual robots running the line – instead of humans - is sure to further anger the anti-VAR brigade.
However, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino a huge advocate of VAR, it seems there is no stopping the growing influence of technology within football.
Neil Swarbrick, Premier League VAR chief, has denied that elite referees are no longer making the big calls during matches, and has also shrugged off concerns that VAR is killing the joy of fans celebrating a goal amid fears it could be disallowed upon review.
