FIFA announces new challenge mechanism, with Premier League decision already made.

FIFA created a new challenge mechanism for trials.

The Football Video Support (VS) concept is already being tested in youth football, with good results.

That's according to FIFA's chief of referees, Pierluigi Collina, who praised the system at this week's FIFA Congress in Bangkok.

Managers are able to dispute two refereeing decisions every game, with successful appeals resulting in the challenge being saved for future use.

The first experiment was held last week at the Blue Stars/FIFA Youth Cup, but there are no plans to use it in the Premier League or other elite levels of the game at this time, according to ESPN.

"The outcome was very, very positive," Collina explained.

"Our goal is to continue testing this new system, particularly in our youth competitions."

"We hope to be able to give all of you who have indicated an interest in the possibility to implement this system in your competitions."

VAR has come under intense scrutiny in recent years, with Wolves attempting to end its usage in the Premier League.

As a result, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino were asked about their sentiments during Friday's press conferences.

"I like VAR," Pochettino explained. "The way we need to improve is how we use VAR but we need to be open and to welcome the new technology."

Klopp stated, "I believe they are voting against how VAR is utilized because it is clearly not right. I would vote against it since they are unable to use it effectively.

"I don't believe VAR is the problem; rather, the way they use it is the problem. You can't alter people, that's evident, so I'd vote to scrap VAR."

Comments

The End of an Era: N'Golo Kanté's Quiet Exit from International Football.

There are footballers who leave the international stage with a farewell ceremony, a packed stadium, an emotional speech and a final lap around the pitch. Then there is N’Golo Kanté. His departure from France duty has arrived in a manner that feels entirely consistent with the midfielder himself: quietly, humbly and without demanding attention. No dramatic announcement has overshadowed the moment. No prolonged goodbye has been built around his name. Instead, one of the most influential midfielders of his generation appears to have stepped away almost as silently as he once entered the French national team. That silence is strangely appropriate. Kanté never played football as a performer searching for applause. He played as a servant of the team, the player who appeared wherever danger existed and disappeared into the collective structure once the danger had passed. His greatest contribution was often found in the moments that never became highlights: a passing lane closed before it open...

The most intriguing Euro 2024 quarter-final ties are listed.

It seems like only a few days ago when fans around the continent sat down to watch Germany thrash Scotland in the opening match, but the quarter-final stage of Euro 2024 is already just around the corner. This summer's tournament has delivered amazing moments and some significant scalps, but none of the competition's minnows have made it to the last eight. Instead, Europe's major boys have all advanced, with the exception of incumbent champions Italy, who were eliminated in the final 16. Not all of the continent's titans have realized their full potential in Germany, but if they want to raise the Henri Delaunay Cup on July 14, they must rediscover their mojo soon. Here are the four quarter-final ties of Euro 2024, evaluated by how entertaining they will be to watch. 4. England vs Switzerland England is the least exciting team to watch at Euro 2024. Gareth Southgate's side has been very poor, especially considering the talent available. There has been little to sug...

How Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Became La Liga's Unexpected Superstar at 37.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was never supposed to be the story of the 2026–27 La Liga season. At 37, most strikers have long since hung up their boots, transitioned into coaching or accepted a reduced role as mentors. Yet here he is, wearing the blue and white of Deportivo La Coruña, scoring in each of his first five league matches and leading a newly promoted side into the upper reaches of the table. His arrival in Spain was meant to be a nostalgic farewell, a final chapter written quietly in the shadows of bigger names. Instead, Aubameyang has turned it into a masterclass in longevity, intelligence and the art of finishing. The numbers tell part of the story. Five goals in five games, all decisive in the final result. Two assists that helped turn defeats into draws and draws into victories. Direct involvement in seven of Deportivo’s nine goals this season, accounting for more than half of the team’s attacking output. He has become the first player since Zlatan Ibrahimović in 2009–10 to...

Jürgen Klopp's Bold New Era: The Impact of Naming Two Squads for Germany's National Team.

Jürgen Klopp did not ease into his role as Germany's head coach; he announced his arrival with a decision that immediately reshaped expectations. On September 17, 2026, the former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager unveiled not one, but two separate squads for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, calling up a total of 44 players across the two groups. This unprecedented move signals more than just a logistical solution to a congested international calendar; it represents a fundamental shift in how Germany approaches player evaluation, squad rotation and the very concept of national team identity. In one stroke, Klopp has declared that his tenure will be defined by flexibility, inclusivity and a relentless pursuit of the best possible options, regardless of reputation or seniority. The context of this decision is crucial. The 2026–27 international calendar has merged the September and October breaks into a single extended window, requiring Germany to play four matches in ...

La Liga Standings Shake-Up: What to Expect from Midweek Matchday 6.

Midweek fixtures in La Liga often act as a catalyst for change in the table, and Matchday 6 in the 2026–27 season promises to be one of those pivotal moments where the narrative of the title race begins to crystallise. By this stage, the early-season inconsistencies have started to fade, teams have found their rhythm and the gap between the genuine contenders and the rest begins to widen. This round is not just about collecting three points; it is about momentum, psychological advantage and the subtle shifts that can define a season. With several top clubs facing tricky opponents, the standings could look significantly different by the time the final whistle blows across Spain’s stadiums. The context of this matchday is especially important. The international break has just concluded, meaning players return with varying levels of fatigue, confidence and fitness. Some will have featured heavily for their national teams, others will have been rested, and a few may have picked up minor kn...

Dribble Diaries

Search This Blog