Implementation Assistance and Approval Programme for VAR technology (IAAP)

The Implementation Assistance and Approval Programme (IAAP) was approved during The IFAB’s 132nd Annual General Meeting on 3 March 2018. A five-step process must be completed by every competition organiser planning to use video assistant referee (VAR) technology, as such use is regulated by the Laws of the Game.

Assessment and approval by FIFA are not mandatory for the use of VAR technology in non‑competitive matches. However, FIFA strongly recommends applying the same standards and level of testing as those applied prior to its use in competitive matches.

All new competition organisers, that is, those that have not already used VAR in their respective competitions, must follow every step of the IAAP, which includes the technology being tested and approved by FIFA. For competition organisers already using VAR systems in competitive matches, no further assessment and approval by FIFA are required, as long as the system has been tested in all stadiums where it will be used. However, technology tests are required in stadiums where VAR systems have never previously been used by the competition organiser.

VAR technology providers v. VAR system integrators

The FIFA Quality Programme differentiates between VAR technology providers and VAR system integrators (VSIs). Only VAR technology providers, which are responsible for the development of VAR technology, can seek certification under the FIFA Quality Programme. The IAAP, on the other hand, focuses on inspecting and approving the technology offered by both VAR technology providers and VSIs.

A list of FIFA Quality Programme licensees and certified VAR technologies can be found in the Resource Hub.

The VSIs below, listed alphabetically, are allowed to provide VAR technology services if they use a FIFA-certified VAR system and meet the IAAP requirements:

  • Broadcast Solutions GmbH

  • Broadcasting Televisão Ltda

  • Broadmedia

  • Medialuso & Mediapro

  • Quality

  • Sporthub

  • TALENT SPORTS

Referee communication systems

The companies listed below, alphabetically, are able to provide referee communication systems:

  • Axitour B.V./AXIWI®

  • Creative Technology Ltd

  • Crescent Comms Ltd

  • Hawk-Eye Innovations

  • Insopack Co., Ltd

  • Murray Tregonning & Associates Pty Ltd

  • RIEDEL Communications

  • Vokkero

More

VAR Technology

The use of video assistant referees (VARs) in football was first included in the Laws of the Game in 2018/19. FIFA assesses the technological aspects of VAR systems through the FIFA Quality Programme for VAR Technology.

FIFA Quality Programme for VAR Technology

The FIFA Quality Programme complements the Implementation Assistance and Approval Programme and administers the licensing process for VAR providers.

Implementation Assistance and Approval Programme for VAR technology (IAAP)

The Implementation Assistance and Approval Programme (IAAP) was approved during The IFAB’s 132nd Annual General Meeting on 3 March 2018.

VAR at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019™

The team consists of the video assistant referee (VAR) and his/her two assistant video assistant referees (AVARs). All of them are top FIFA match officials.

VAR at the 2018 FIFA World Cup™

For the 2018 FIFA World Cup™, the referees have received clear instructions on when to accept information from the video assistant referee and when to review the video footage on the side of the field of play before taking the appropriate action/decision.

Last updated: Monday 16 October 2023 at 13:34