Don’t lean on VAR as a crutch! Ref guru Collina warns

FIFA referees supremo Pierluigi Collina has warned World Cup officials to only use technology as the last resort in Qatar later this year.

This year’s World Cup, which begins in November, will be one of the most technologically advanced in history.

The use of VAR will be available in the tournament while a semi-automated offside system, capable of sending real-time offside alerts to the video match officials, will also be implemented.

But the head of referees for world football’s governing body Collina has told all the officials due to be involved at the World Cup that they should not use technology as a professional crutch.

‘Our objective is to prepare the referee as best as possible to avoid using technology, but technology is there to reduce the possibility of human mistake that can affect the outcome of a match,’ said Collina.

‘Even the best referee can make a mistake; he is a human being, and we know that.’

Meanwhile, Mexican official Karen Diaz hopes to be one of six women – alongside referees Stéphanie Frappart (France), Salima Mukansanga (Rwanda) and Yoshimi Yamashita (Japan), and assistant referees Neuza Back (Brazil) and Kathryn Nesbitt (USA)  to participate in a FIFA World Cup for men opens up opportunities for more women.

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“I feel very lucky and am very grateful to all the people who have given me this opportunity,” said Diaz.

“We need to make sure this isn’t the only time women are selected, but the first of many to come.”