VAR In UCL Knockout Stages, Foot Operation For Costa

3rd December 2018 - by AFP

UEFA to use video technology in flagship club competition from February, Atletico star set to go under the knife in Brazil

Atletico Madrid's Spanish forward Diego Costa celebrates next to Girona's Spanish goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz (L) after scoring a goal during the Spanish league football match between Girona and Club Atletico de Madrid at the Montilivi stadium in Girona on December 2, 2018. PHOTO/AFP

SUMMARY

European football's governing body had previously stated its intention to introduce VAR only from the start of the 2019/2020 season
The Europa League final and the under-21 European Championships in Italy in June will also use VAR
Costa played 90 minutes against Girona on Sunday and helped Atletico rescue a 1-1 draw as his run prompted Jonas Ramalho to score a late own-goal

DUBLIN, Ireland- Video Assistant Referees will be used in the Champions League from the knockout stages of this season's competition and in the Nations League finals in June, UEFA confirmed on Monday.

European football's governing body had previously stated its intention to introduce VAR only from the start of the 2019/2020 season.

"If we can do it before, why wait? We cannot afford any mistakes if we can do it earlier," said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin after a meeting of the European football body's Executive Committee.

"We are ready to use VAR earlier than initially planned and we are convinced that it will be beneficial for our competitions as it will provide valuable help to match officials and will allow to reduce incorrect decisions."

VAR is already used in a number of Europe's top leagues, including Spain's La Liga, Germany's Bundesliga and Serie A in Italy and was widely seen as a success at this summer's World Cup.

The Europa League final and the under-21 European Championships in Italy in June will also use VAR.

Costa operation

Meanwhile, Diego Costa will undergo an operation in Brazil this week to aid his recovery from a foot injury, Atletico Madrid said on Monday.

The club would not estimate how long Costa might be out but said the striker had been feeling discomfort in his left foot for several weeks.

A statement from Atletico read: "Diego Costa will have surgery this week due to the discomfort he has been suffering in his left foot in recent weeks.

"After assessing the different options, the decision has been made that the operation be carried out in Brazil, where it will be supervised by the medical services of Atletico Madrid.

"The player, who underwent surgery on the fifth metatarsal of his left foot twelve years ago, suffers from discomfort following a knock that occurred a few weeks ago."

Costa played 90 minutes against Girona on Sunday and helped Atletico rescue a 1-1 draw as his run prompted Jonas Ramalho to score a late own-goal.

The 30-year-old has struggled for form in recent months, however. His goal against Barcelona last month was his first in La Liga since February.