Serie A to use VAR for 2017-18 season

Serie A is slated to introduce video assistant referees (VAR) for the 2017-18 campaign.

The Italian top tier will also do away with goal-line referees, with Italian Football Federation president Carlo Tavecchio confirming the news Sunday ahead of approval from FIFA.

"We asked for a little understanding from the clubs as we introduce this new system into all the stadiums," Tavecchio told Corriere dello Sport, courtesy of ESPN FC.

"FIFA have not given full authorisation yet, but all the signals are clear and say we'll begin at the start of the season."

The implementation of VAR, a system which allows the referee to confer with a fourth official who has access to video replay, marks the second technological introduction in Serie A in as many seasons. Ahead of the 2016-17 campaign, the league introduced goal-line technology.

Using VAR, a match official can review goals, penalty decisions, red cards, and mistaken identities.

"We're going to need a separate room for the video assistant referees and at least eight television cameras following the action. The Lega Serie A will cover the costs, in the region of €2 million," Tavecchio added.

"Crotone will therefore play their first two games at home, allowing Cagliari to play theirs away so that they've got time to finish the stadium."

The Bundesliga announced similar plans in January, with the German top flight becoming the first of Europe's top five leagues to introduce the technology.