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. The five-step process must be completed by every competition planning to use VARs (as this use is regulated by the Laws of the Game).

For non-competitive match technology tests, assessment and approval by FIFA are not mandatory. However, FIFA strongly recommends applying the same standards and level of testing to non-competitive matches as required for competitive matches.

All “new” competition organisers, i.e. those that have not already used VARs in their competitions, must follow every step of the IAAP, including having the technology tested and approved by FIFA. For competition organisers already using VARs in competitive matches, no further such assessment and approval by FIFA are required, as long as the system has been tested at all stadiums where VAR use is planned. However, technology tests are required at stadiums where VARs have never 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. On the other hand, the IAAP focuses on the inspection and approval of VAR technology installations 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 following list details the VSIs, in alphabetical order, that have successfully undergone the IAAP process and thus are authorised to provide VAR technology services:

• Broadcast Solutions GmbH

• Broadcasting Televisão Ltda

• ChyronHego ApS

• ColosseoEAS

• Evertz Microsystems Ltd.

• EVS Broadcast Equipment

• Goal Sport (Daite)

• Hawk-Eye Innovations

• Medialuso & Mediapro

• OZ Sports

• SBG Sports Software

• Simplylive

• Slomo.TV

• Sporthub

• Vieww GmbH

• VOGO Sport

• TGI Worldwide

Please note that this document is only a first version and will certainly be updated over time.

FIFA certification as of July 2022 and transition period

Following the certification of VAR systems under the new global quality standard, the use of a FIFA-certified system will become mandatory from July 2022. From this date, FIFA will validate compliance with this requirement as part of the IAAP for competitions that have not previously introduced VARs. Organisers of competitions for which the use of VAR systems has already been approved (or is subsequently approved ahead of the July 2022 deadline) will benefit from a transition period from the current system to the new mandatory certifications and will therefore be able to keep operating under their existing agreement. During the transition period, the provider must seek certification at one of the next FIFA VAR technology test events.

Referee communication systems

The following list contains an overview of companies, in alphabetical order, whose referee communication systems have passed an inspection:

• Axitour B.V. / AXIWI ®

• Creative Technology Ltd

• Crescent Comms Ltd

• Hawk-Eye Innovations

• Insopack Co., Ltd

• Murray Tregonning & Associates Pty Ltd

• RIEDEL Communications

• Vokkero