2018 World Cup: FIFA satisfied with how VARs "contributed to the resounding success of refereeing"

"FIFA looks back extremely satisfied with how the referees performed at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia and how the historic implementation of Video Assistant Referees (VARs) contributed to the resounding success of refereeing at the tournament," said the international federation on 18/07/2018, three days after France's victory in the final of the 2018 World Cup versus Croatia (4-2), at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow (RUS), on 15/07/2018.

"We said we wanted this to be the best World Cup ever and it's been the best World Cup ever. A crucial role in this achievement was played by the referees who excelled with performances of the highest standard," said Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA.

"Following the fundamental decision to use VARs at the World Cup, FIFA is extremely happy with the overwhelming acceptance of VAR by players, coaches, fans and the media," said the organiser of the World Cup.

VAR: how does it work?

"Extensive preparation has produced outstanding results" (Z. Boban, FIFA)