A New Review Mechanism Takes Shape
The United Soccer League (USL) is set to introduce Football Video Support (FVS) during the closing phase of the 2026 Prinx Tires USL Cup, marking a significant step toward a more affordable video‑review system.
FVS is being examined by FIFA as a potential substitute for the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, especially for competitions that lack the infrastructure or budget required for full‑scale VAR deployments.
The trial will be confined to the final seven matches of the tournament, beginning with the quarter‑final round on August 12, and will give coaches the ability to request reviews for clear and obvious errors involving goals, penalties, direct red cards or cases of mistaken identity.
Unlike VAR, FVS does not employ dedicated video match officials; instead, the fourth official reviews footage after a goal is scored and informs the referee of any offending play, while other incidents can only be revisited at the coach’s immediate request.
Each team will be allowed up to two review requests per match, and a successful overturn permits the team to retain its remaining request, a rule designed to balance fairness with limited interference.
Brett Luy, President of Competition and Administration at USL, emphasized that the experiment aims to assess a technology that could democratize high‑level officiating, making it accessible to leagues with fewer resources.
The partnership behind the trial includes technology provider Spiideo for camera hardware, NEP for broadcast integration and off‑site video operations, and a collaborative training effort involving PRO, PRO2 and the U.S. Soccer Federation.
After the cup concludes, FIFA will compile feedback from member associations and evaluate the outcomes before deciding whether to embed FVS into the official Laws of the Game.