VAR could be introduced to the Champions League and Europa League this season, UEFA has confirmed.
European football’s governing body had announced that the technology, which was rolled out in the 2018 World Cup and La Liga this campaign, will be used next season.
But UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and European Club Association chairman Andrea Agnelli have suggested it could in fact be put in place within the next few months for the knockout stages of this season’s competitions.
Speaking at a news conference in Brussels, Ceferin and Agnelli – who is also the Juventus chairman – said VAR would be in use “at the latest next season”.
Ceferin said: “We have started to do all the preparation. [UEFA referees chief] Roberto Rosetti and his team are very good. There are important points of view – the referees and all the technical aspects.
“I expect the report in a week or so and then we will see when we can implement it. At the latest next season.”
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Agnelli added: “At the latest next season also means there is space for earlier implementation. We are delighted as clubs with that and we thank UEFA for the work they have been putting together.”
As things stand Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham are all in contention to progress to the knockout stages of this season’s Champions League.
