The video assistant referee system "has been accurate in 98.9% of decisions so far during its two-year worldwide trial," the Int'l FA Board said. An IFAB report said that VAR was used in 804 competitive matches in more than 20 competitions. It said that the technology "increased the accuracy of decisions that can be reviewed from 93% to 98.9%" (BBC, 1/22).
The IFAB said on Monday that a final decision on the use of VAR "would be made in March." VAR has been on trial in various competitions around the world, including Serie A, the Bundesliga and the Confederations Cup, since last year, "with mixed results" (REUTERS, 1/22).
The FA is allowing Peter Beardsley to study for his UEFA A license despite his suspension by Premier League side Newcastle United "after allegations of racism and bullying from several of the club’s academy players." Newcastle’s U23 manager spent three days in the FA’s course at St. George’s Park from Jan. 14-16 after "being placed on gardening leave the previous week" (LONDON TIMES, 1/23).
Scottish Premiership side Celtic midfielder Scott Brown revealed that dialogue has started with the Professional Footballers' Association and top-flight Scottish clubs "with regard to establish a statutory four-week break at the end of every season." The move will "inevitably draw clubs into conflict" with the Scottish FA, which this week confirmed friendlies against Peru and Mexico that are to be played at the end of May and the beginning of June, respectively (HERALD SCOTLAND, 1/23).
