Coaches Leverage New Video Review System to Challenge Referees at FIFA U-20 World Cup

As of October 8th, 2025, FIFA is employing a new video review system called the Football Video Support (FVS) at the Under-20 World Cup in Chile. This "simplified version" of the traditional VAR technology allows coaches to appeal two decisions by the referee per match.

The FVS system has already proven to be a game-changer in the tournament. During the group stage, which took place over the past few weeks, the video review was used in more than a dozen matches, often defining the course of the games. It has been instrumental in overturning penalty calls, disallowing goals, and even leading to a red card being issued.

For example, the FVS review was crucial in Norway's 1-0 victory over Nigeria, where it spotted a handball by a Nigerian defender that the referee had missed. It also played a role in Argentina's 4-1 win against Australia, denying the Socceroos a tying goal. The system has been both praised and criticized by coaches and fans, with some appreciating its ability to correct errors, while others have complained about the long delays in decision-making.

As the tournament progresses, the FVS is expected to continue shaping the outcomes of matches, serving as a testing ground for new technologies that FIFA hopes to eventually implement at the highest levels of the sport.