Ukraine rolls out FVS: a stripped-down video review system for the second tier

Ukrainian football is getting a tech upgrade. The Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) has officially launched the Football Video Support (FVS) system - a simplified version of VAR designed by FIFA for competitions where a full-blown video room isn't feasible. FVS will be tested in the Ukrainian First League starting this season. Initially it will only be available for selected matches, with gradual expansion across the entire division. Ukraine is among the first ten nations worldwide to adopt the system for domestic use. The fundamental difference from classic VAR is who initiates the review. Here it's the head coach, not a video assistant. Each manager gets two challenges per game; if the match goes into extra time, they receive a third. To stop play, the coach must signal to the referee by rotating a finger and hand a special card to the fourth official. The review takes place at a pitch-side monitor. The referee only overturns a call if the video clearly confirms an obvious error. FVS covers five categories: goals (or no goal), penalty decisions, straight red cards, mistaken identity, and incorrect second yellow cards. The UAF referees committee handles all official training, while the clubs are responsible for the hardware - cameras, monitors and connectivity. For coaches, it's a tool to challenge clear injustices; for referees, it's a training ground before stepping up to full VAR in the top flight.