FIDE to Introduce VAR System in Chess

The World Chess Federation (FIDE) announced today that it will be introducing a video assistant referee (VAR) system in chess. The system will be used to assist referees in making decisions about controversial or disputed calls during matches.

The VAR system will be used for the first time at the 2023 West Asia Chess Youth Championship, which will be held in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates from July 10-22. The system will be used for all matches in the open and girls' U18 categories.

The VAR system will consist of a team of three referees, one of whom will be the VAR referee. The VAR referee will be located in a separate room and will have access to video footage of the matches. If a referee makes a decision that is challenged by one of the players, the VAR referee will review the video footage and make a recommendation to the original referee. The original referee will then have the final say on the decision.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich said that the introduction of VAR was a "major step forward" for chess. "We believe that VAR will help to ensure that matches are decided fairly and that all players have the opportunity to compete on a level playing field," he said.

The VAR system has been used in other sports, such as football and rugby, with great success. It is hoped that the system will have a similar positive impact on chess.

The introduction of VAR is a significant development for chess and could help to make the sport more appealing to a wider audience. It remains to be seen how the system will be used in practice, but it has the potential to revolutionize the way that chess is officiated.