Malta FA Launches Football Video Support (FVS) Trial during Jubilee Cup

The Malta Football Association (MFA) has officially introduced the Football Video Support (FVS) system, marking a new step forward in the use of technology in Maltese football. A series of information sessions were recently held for coaches, referees, and media representatives to explain how the new system will be implemented and operated.

The MFA’s participation in the FIFA FVS trials for football and Video Support (VS) for futsal was unanimously approved by the Executive Board last July.

FVS is an innovative technology developed by FIFA and IFAB that provides video support for referees while using significantly fewer cameras and resources than VAR. Unlike the traditional VAR system — which relies on an independent video team to monitor every incident — FVS allows coaches to challenge specific on-field decisions for clear and obvious errors. The system has already been tested in major FIFA tournaments such as the U20 and U17 Women’s World Cups and will continue to be trialled globally.

FVS to Feature in Jubilee Cup Matches

Malta will now trial FVS in four Round of 16 matches of the Jubilee Cup, all scheduled to take place at the Centenary Stadium:

• Marsaxlokk FC vs Hibernians FC – 5 November 2025, 18:00

• Birkirkara FC vs Sliema Wanderers FC – 5 November 2025, 20:30

• Żabbar St Patrick FC vs Naxxar Lions FC – 6 November 2025, 18:00

• Tarxien Rainbows FC vs Gżira United – 6 November 2025, 20:30

The MFA confirmed that the FVS system will be implemented in all subsequent rounds of the Jubilee Cup as part of the continued testing phase.

A Milestone for Maltese Football

During a press briefing, Malta FA Senior Vice President Dr Matthew Paris described the introduction of FVS as a learning process aimed at improving officiating standards and enhancing fairness on the pitch.

“We are providing referees with a tool that helps them make better decisions. FVS is not a simplified version of VAR — it is a different, innovative technology that is more cost-effective but still requires significant investment. The Malta FA is proud to be at the forefront of this development,” said Dr Paris.

He thanked FIFA and IFAB for selecting Malta for this pilot project, as well as the Malta Premier League, which is collaborating with the MFA on the rollout.

Kampjonat Malta Ltd Chairman Alan Abela emphasised that this initiative could pave the way for FVS to be introduced in the Malta Premier League, describing it as “a major investment in the future of the local game.”

IFAB and FIFA Praise Malta’s Role

David Elleray, IFAB’s Technical Director, highlighted the vital role of the media in helping the public understand FVS.

“The media are key to educating fans about what FVS is — and what it isn’t. This is a trial phase, and Malta is helping shape the future of football officiating,” Elleray noted.

He also praised Malta’s pioneering spirit, recalling how the country was among the first to trial the eight-second goalkeeper rule and is now the first nation to introduce FVS at top-tier level.

Alan Mario Sant, Chairman of the Malta FA Referees Committee, hailed the introduction as a milestone for local refereeing, saying, “This is an important day for refereeing in Malta — and it’s only the beginning.”

FIFA’s VAR Project Lead Mike van der Roest and VAR Project Manager Michael Bailey were also present, offering detailed insight into the FVS protocol and its technical implementation.

The introduction of FVS places Malta among a select group of countries helping FIFA and IFAB develop the next generation of video technology for the global game.