WORLD EXCLUSIVE: The United Counties League to use VAR next season under new FIFA technology project

(Picture: Action Images)

The United Counties League have revealed they will use VAR in their Step 5 division next season after successfully applying to a new FIFA technology project.
World football’s governing body want to implement the Video Assistant Referee system in a number of lower leagues across the globe to help aid referee development.
The idea is to help officials get to grips with the concept so they are completely familiar with it as they progress up the ladder.
Implementation won’t cost the UCL, sponsored by Chromaports and Trophies, because funding is coming out of FIFA’s technology investment budget – with the league submitting a secret application earlier this season.
VAR has already been used in this season’s FA Cup and will feature in the World Cup this summer.
While seen by some as controversial, the league feel it is a huge coup for the Premier Division clubs and match officials.
A league spokesman told The NLP: “We believe the United Counties League is a forward-thinking competition and we are very proud to have been awarded this opportunity.

Passion

“During a rigorous application process we were able to demonstrate the numerous benefits this would bring to our players and clubs, as well as how we can play a crucial role in referee development.
“No one likes to see match officials made a fool of and VAR is a way of helping with decision making in the heat of the moment.
“We will liaise throughout the season with clubs to see how it is working and feed any learning points back to the authorities.
“Like it or not, technology is going to play an increasing role in the future of football – why should Non-League competition be any different? We are very excited and will give clubs more info in the summer.”
Live feeds of the games will be beamed back to Stockley Park where a panel of referees will be watching and in direct contact with officials on the ground.
FIFA’s Head of Future Development of World Soccer and Grassroots Technology Joe Kerr said: “The United Counties League impressed us greatly with their passion to be at the forefront of technology in football.
“Part of the beauty of football is the unpredictability, but it is clear we can enhance the game. The UCL will help us make this system foolproof.”