KNVB explores lower-cost video review system for the Eerste Divisie

The KNVB is exploring whether Football Video Support (FVS) could provide a more affordable alternative to VAR in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie. Refereeing chief Raymond van Meenen told Voetbal International that the system would allow a referee to review incidents at the side of the pitch without operating as a full VAR setup.

Under the proposed model, teams would receive a limited number of challenges that could be used to request a review, in a format Van Meenen compared with hockey. The Dutch association remains at an early stage of the process and is receiving assistance from Belgian counterparts who already use the system in their country’s second tier.

Van Meenen said clubs have shown interest, but stressed that no decision has been taken on introducing FVS. Managing expectations would be a major consideration if the KNVB moves forward, with the organisation seeking to apply lessons learned from the implementation of VAR.

The KNVB is separately examining Semi-Automated Offside Technology alongside the ECV and broadcaster ESPN. That assessment will consider the technical benefits, the specific problems the technology could solve, its cost and the practical requirements for possible use. Like the FVS project, this work is still exploratory and is intended to produce a well-supported recommendation rather than an immediate rollout.