FIFA approves video assistant referees for 2018 World Cup
Bogota: FIFA has approved the use of video assistant referees (VARs) in this year's World Cup in Russia, the international football governing body has said.
The technology was approved by rule-making board IFAB earlier this month but FIFA was yet to ratify its use for football's showpiece tournament, which will be played in Russia from June 14 to July 15.
"We are going to have our first World Cup with video assisted refereeing," FIFA President Gianni Infantino told reporters on Friday after a meeting of FIFA's ruling council in Bogota, Xinhua news agency reported.
"This has been adopted and approved and we are extremely happy with that decision. It's an essential decision, very important and historical decision."
VAR allows officials to review and overturn referee decisions for incidents including goals, penalty awards, red cards and mistaken identity.
The system has been used in Germany's Bundesliga and Italy's Serie A this season as well as some English FA and League Cup matches. It was also trialled during the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia.
Infantino accepted the VAR was "not perfect", but said it ensured "a fairer and more transparent sport".
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Rain interrupts Mumbai Indians' chase against Lucknow Super Giants
Mumbai, May 17: Rain interrupted play in the second innings here on Friday with Mumbai Indians reaching 33 for no loss in 3.5 overs while chasing 215 against Lucknow Super Giants in their IPL clash.
Rohit Sharma, who is playing this final contest for Mumbai Indians this season as an impact substitute, was the enforcer with two consecutive sixes off Matt Henry to reach 20 not out off 13 balls with one four.
At the other end was Dewald Brevis batting on nine after replacing out of sorts Ishan Kishan as opener.
Mumbai needed another 182 runs to win off 97 balls when the play was halted.
It began with a heavy shower forcing players off the field and groundstaff to bring four layers of sheets, but subsided into steady drizzle.
Earlier, Lucknow Super Giants posted a daunting 214/6 as they recovered well to add 145 runs in the final 10 overs of the innings.
Nicholas Pooran blasted eight sixes and five fours to make 75 off a mere 29 balls whereas skipper KL Rahul, who struggled with the other top order LSG batters in the first half, made 55 off 41 balls with three fours and as many sixes.
