Referees are killed by the media and need VAR, says FIFA referees director

FIFA's head of refereeing, Massimo Busacca, explains the benefits of the video replay system during an interview with Reuters, held during a seminar for World Cup referees in Florence, Italy April 19, 2018. REUTERS/Brian Homewood

FLORENCE, Italy (Reuters) - Referees need the help of video replay technology (VAR) because they are being "killed" by the media, FIFA refereeing director Massimo Busacca told Reuters in an interview.

"A referee can be the best in the world for 89 minutes, he makes one mistake and he is killed," said Busacca, adding that VAR would provide a much-needed safety net. "Our careers and our lives have to change, they have to be fairer."

Video Assistant Referees (VAR) watch a practice match as they train in the use of the technology, during a seminar for match officials organised by FIFA ahead of the World Cup in Florence, Italy April 19, 2018. REUTERS/Brian Homewood

(Writing by Brian Homewood in Berne; Editing by Toby Davis)