Will there be VAR at the FIFA Club World Cup? Many have asked on Google as Manchester City prepare for the competition in Saudi Arabia.
Pep Guardiola could guide the Citizens to a first ever FIFA Club World Cup title later this month – after earning a spot in the prestigious tournament thanks to last season’s UEFA Champions League win.
As we anticipate the start of the FIFA Club World Cup, some are unaware of the details – including the use of VAR.
So, will VAR be used when Manchester City play in the FIFA Club World Cup? Let’s take a look…
Will Manchester City have VAR at the FIFA Club World Cup?
Well, the treble winners will have VAR to help – or hinder – them in Saudi Arabia.
FIFA have already announced the list of selected officials who will be involved in the VAR process – they can be seen below.
- Khamis Al-Marri
- Adil Zourak
- Tatiana Guzman
- Juan Soto
- Juan Lara
- Tomasz Kwiatkowski
- Alejandro Hernandez
- Ivan Bebek
However, there may be a slightly different setup compared to what Manchester City fans are used to in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
As trialled in last season’s edition of the FIFA Club World Cup, referees were actually able to explain their decisions to the entire stadium using a microphone.
It was a method designed to avoid leaving fans confused and unaware of what is happening during a lengthy VAR check – but it remains to be seen if FIFA will reintroduce this process in Saudi Arabia.
In our view, that was a fantastic idea – one of the worst aspects of VAR is the fact thousands are left oblivious to what is going on at times during a game, which is unfair on those who have paid for a ticket.
Hopefully, FIFA ensure this process is rolled out once again when Manchester City arrive in Saudi Arabia – in what will be the club’s first ever appearance at a FIFA Club World Cup.
Unfortunately – however – Manchester City will not be allowed to wear the prestigious FIFA Champions Badge in the Premier League if Guardiola wins the FIFA Club World Cup.
(Correction: The Premier League have since made the surprise decision to allow the FIFA Champions Badge to be worn by Manchester City)
