Li Haixin Referees Shanghai Derby | FA Cup & VAR Details

FA Cup, referee, VAR, Li Haixin, Ai Kun, Shanghai Derby”>

CITY, June 22, 2025

FA Cup Referee Assignments and VAR Usage

Key referee assignments announced, but VAR will be used sparingly in today’s matches.

• li Haixin to referee the Shanghai Derby.
• Ai Kun will serve as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for the Shanghai Derby.
• Only one of the four FA Cup 1/8 final games will feature VAR.
• The Anglo-Bev vs.Guoan match will have VAR.

Today’s FA Cup matches feature crucial referee assignments, and the use of VAR, or Video Assistant Referee, will be limited to only one game, the Anglo-Bev vs. Guoan match.

Did you know? The FA Cup, formally known as the football Association Challenge Cup, is the oldest national football competition in the world. its history dates back to 1871.

VAR Limited to One Match

Out of the four FA Cup 1/8 final matches scheduled for today, only the game between Anglo-Bev and guoan will be equipped with VAR. The decision to limit VAR usage raises questions about consistency across the competition.

Did you know? VAR is a system used in football to review decisions made by the head referee with the use of video footage and a team of assistant referees.

Shanghai Derby Referee

In the highly anticipated Shanghai Derby, Li Haixin will be the head referee, tasked with maintaining order and ensuring fair play in this intense rivalry.

Pro tip: Referees often use hand signals to communicate with players and assistant referees. Understanding these signals can provide insight into their decisions during the match.

VAR Official for the Derby

Supporting Li Haixin in the Shanghai Derby, Ai Kun will be the VAR official. ai Kun’s role is to assist the referee by reviewing key decisions and advising on potential errors.

Implications of Limited VAR

The limited use of VAR in today’s FA Cup matches could significantly impact the outcomes, especially in games where controversial decisions arise. Fans and teams alike will be closely watching to see if the absence of VAR leads to any perceived injustices.

Reader question: How do you think the limited use of VAR will affect the fairness of today’s FA Cup matches? share your thoughts in the comments below.

Fairness and consistency

The debate over VAR’s impact on fairness and consistency in football continues. While some argue it eliminates blatant errors,others believe it disrupts the flow of the game and introduces new controversies.

What factors influence the decision to use VAR in specific matches? The selection likely involves a combination of match importance, available resources, and perhaps even a strategic decision to focus on games with a higher potential for contentious calls, ensuring the technology is used where it can have the most impact.

The Role of the Referee and VAR in Football

The decisions made by referees and the implementation of VAR are critical components of any football match,ensuring fair play and maintaining the integrity of the game. TodayS FA Cup matches highlight the importance of these roles and the ongoing debate surrounding their use, especially with the limited submission of VAR [[3]].

The head referee’s job is multifaceted.They are responsible for enforcing the Laws of the Game, managing player conduct, and making critical decisions that can influence the outcome of a match. Assistant referees (linesmen) play a vital role, too, by helping the head referee with offside calls, determining when the ball is out of play, and other crucial observations.

The referee has the final say on all matters of fact connected with play. Their decisions are based on their observation and judgment, and should reflect their interpretation of the Laws of the Game. Referees must use common sense when applying the Laws.

Video Assistant Referees (VAR) were introduced to help referees avoid clear and obvious errors. VAR reviews four key areas: goals, penalty kicks, direct red cards, and cases of mistaken identity. The goal is to provide a more accurate and fair game for players and fans. The implementation of VAR has drastically changed how the game is played and perceived.

The Referee’s Duties

The on-field referee is the ultimate authority. They must:

• Enforce the Laws of the Game.
• control the match in cooperation with the assistant referees. They can overrule any decision from the assistant referees when they see fit.
• Ensure that any balls used meet the requirements.
• Ensure that players’ equipment complies with the Laws.
• Stop, suspend, or terminate the match if any infringement of laws or any other interference occurs.
• Take disciplinary action against offenders.
• Take action against team officials who are not behaving responsibly.
• Ensure that no unauthorized persons enter the field of play.

Understanding VAR

The VAR system uses multiple cameras and video replays to assist the referee. A team of officials reviews specific incidents, communicating with the referee on the field. They can advise the referee to review a play if a clear and obvious error has been made. Ultimately, the referee still has the final decision.

This technology has had its share of criticism, but its aim is constant: to eliminate major mistakes.

The VAR officials can:

• Review potential incidents in real time.
• Recommend a review to the referee.
• Review the play themselves on the pitch.

Refereeing in the Modern Era

The modern referee must possess a complex skill-set. Aside from a deep understanding of the Laws of the game , referees must be in excellent physical condition to keep pace with the play.Strong interpersonal skills are essential for managing player interactions and defusing tense situations. These attributes are more vital with the introduction of VAR.

Referees use hand signals to communicate with players. Understanding these signals can definitely help fans follow along. For example, a referee may use a hand gesture to show a yellow card. Another may indicate a free kick, the awarding of a goal or penalty, or simply telling a player to leave the field.

What does VAR review? The VAR system monitors goals, penalty situations, direct red card incidents, and cases of mistaken identity. The use of technological aids has fundamentally reshaped the role of football referees and the modern game.

the combination of skilled referees and the use of VAR aims for fairer, more accurate outcomes in football. The debate over the impact of these systems will no doubt continue for quite some time.