The A-League is "set to become the first top division in the world to include the use of Video Assistant Referees after Football Federation Australia fast-tracked plans for its introduction this season." On April 7, Australian football will begin using video replays to "rule on contentious decisions with Melbourne City's match against Adelaide United marked to be the first top-tier league game in the world to include the use of VAR." FFA approved an early introduction of visual technology to assist referees, "ensuring every game in the last two rounds of this season will involve a video referee, as well as the finals series." It is understood FIFA is "set to approve associations using the system as of next month following the trial at the Club World Cup" (THE AGE, 12/29).
French-Algerian footballer Samir Nasri is "facing an anti-doping investigation after it was revealed that he received an IV drip at an American clinic last week." The Man City midfielder, on loan to La Liga side Sevilla, was said by the "Drip Doctors" clinic in L.A. to have been given an "Immunity Drip," which includes 1 liter of hydration fluid. The World Anti-Doping Agency only allows intravenous infusions of up to 50 milliliters "unless there is a clear medical reason, such as a hospital admission, or if the athlete has a Therapeutic Use Exemption." The Spanish anti-doping agency (AEPSAD) "opened an investigation into Nasri and his use of the IV drip," according to Spanish newspaper El Pais (London INDEPENDENT, 12/28).
