FIFA is officially testing a groundbreaking addition to football’s rulebook — the “Video Support Challenge Card” system — during the 2025 U-20 World Cup. The new system allows teams to request video reviews of key decisions, giving coaches a more active role in ensuring fair play on the field.
This initiative, known as Football Video Support (FVS), is designed as a streamlined, cost-effective alternative to full Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology. FIFA hopes it will make video review technology accessible to more leagues and tournaments worldwide, including those that can’t afford full VAR infrastructure.
How the “Challenge Card” System Works
Under the FVS trial rules, each team receives two challenge cards per match. Here’s how it works:
- Who can challenge: Only the head coach (or the acting team official) can initiate a challenge.
- How to challenge: The coach must immediately signal for review — often by raising a hand or twirling a finger — and hand a “Video Support Challenge Card” to the fourth official.
- When it applies: The challenge can be used for major match-changing situations — such as goals, penalties, red cards, or cases of mistaken identity.
- If successful: The team retains its card if the decision is overturned.
- If unsuccessful: The team loses the card and cannot challenge again once both are gone.
This approach mirrors challenge systems in other sports like tennis and cricket but is a first for global football.
Why FIFA Is Experimenting with Football Video Support (FVS)
The Video Support Challenge concept is part of FIFA’s effort to democratize access to video technology. Traditional VAR systems require a full control room, multiple high-definition camera feeds, and trained video officials — costs that are prohibitive for many domestic leagues and youth tournaments.
By contrast, FVS uses simpler setups and broadcast feeds, allowing referees to make the final call directly on the pitch after consulting limited video footage.
According to FIFA’s official release, the goal is to provide a “low-cost, high-integrity” video solution for global competitions — especially in developing football nations.
Pros and Cons of the New Challenge Card System
Advantages
- Improved fairness: Coaches can intervene if they believe a crucial decision was wrong.
- Lower costs: FVS doesn’t require the full infrastructure of VAR.
- Transparency: Fans and players understand when and why a review is happening.
Concerns
- Potential delays: Frequent challenges may interrupt game flow.
- Limited scope: Only specific incidents are reviewable.
- Learning curve: Teams and referees need time to adapt to the new process.
Early Reactions from Players and Coaches
Initial reactions from coaches at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup have been mixed. Some praised the system’s fairness, while others warned it could slow down the match tempo if used excessively.
Still, the general sentiment is positive: giving teams the right to challenge adds strategic depth and accountability to the refereeing process.
Could This Replace VAR in the Future?
FIFA officials stress that Video Support is not replacing VAR, but rather complementing it. The system is seen as a bridge technology, enabling lower-tier competitions to benefit from video review without the full expense.
If the 2025 U-20 World Cup trial proves successful, FIFA may expand FVS — and its challenge card system — to continental youth tournaments, women’s competitions, and regional leagues in the coming years.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of Video Support Challenge Cards marks a significant milestone in FIFA’s ongoing modernization of football officiating. While the system is still in its trial phase, it represents a bold experiment aimed at balancing technology, fairness, and accessibility in the global game.
If adopted widely, this could be remembered as the moment when coaches earned the right to challenge — and change — the course of a football match.