February 8 – Howard Webb, one of the world’s most recognisable and respected referees who has recently been working as a television pundit, has been hired by the body overseeing officiating in MLS to manage the introduction of video assistant referees (VARs).
The Professional Referee Organization (PRO) says Webb, whose signing is a major coup for the game in north America, will “oversee the development and education, assessment, and assignment of Video Assistant Referees (VARs).”
MLS has been ahead of the game in testing VARs and plans to implement the system in time for August’s All-Star Game and the second half of the MLS 2017 season.
Webb, 45, retired as a referee in 2014 after a 25-year career. He officiated both the World Cup and UEFA Champions League finals in 2010.
“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,” the British official said.
Webb, who is currently acting as Director of Referees for the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, starts his new role on March 1 and PRO general manager Peter Walton said: “Howard 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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