Former English Premier League official Howard Webb to oversee development, assessment, and assignment of Video Assistant Referee for PRO.
The Professional Referee Organization (PRO) announced on Wednesday, February 7th that retired FIFA referee and former EPL official Howard Webb will join the organization as the manager of Video Assistant Referee operations. Webb is one of the most accomplished referees of his generation.
Starting in March, Webb will oversee the development and education, assessment, and assignment of VAR for PRO. MLS implemented VAR is select preseason matches this year.
Howard Webb, the most prolific official in FIFA and EPL history, retired from his 25-year career after officiating 500+ English Premier Leauge and Football League games. Webb also officiated UEFA Champions League matches, and served as a FIFA international referee for the UEFA European Football Championship matches and two FIFA World Cups.
He still remains the only referee to officiate both a UEFA Champions League final and FIFA World Cup final in the same year (2010).
Webb’s Job After Retirement
“I’m delighted to join the Professional Referee Organization for this new challenge and contribute to the implementation of what I view as a crucial development for the sport.”
After retirement, Webb served as the Technical Director of Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) which develops official standards and fields match officials for all EPL, EFL, and FA competitions. As of now, he is currently the Director of Referees for the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, as well as a member of the BT Sport broadcast team.
Webb said in a statement released by PRO, “I have tremendous respect for the organization that Peter Walton has created and am excited to be on board for the continued development of this initiative.”
General Manager Peter Walton also weighed in on his thoughts of Webb joining the team.
“Howard Webb will be a great asset to PRO in spearheading the VAR project. His high-level officiating experience and work as a broadcaster will bring tremendous value as he guides our referees through various VAR testing and assessment exercises ahead of forthcoming VAR implementation.”
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According to PRO, a combined 15 of the 22 MLS clubs will gain the exposure to live in-game video review during preseason competition, including matches in the IMG Suncoast Pro Classic, 2017 Desert Friendlies, FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup, Portland Timbers Preseason Tournament, and Carolina Challenge Cup.
In addition, offline testing, with no impact on the game, will take place at MLS stadiums during MLS regular season matches from March through August.
Next: FIFA 17 Tournaments to be broadcast on ESPN networks
For more information about the Video Assistant Referee Program, head here to FIFA’s website.