VAR set for Scottish Premiership BEFORE World Cup as technology nears debut

Long-waited video assistant referees are reportedly set for their Scottish Premiership debut before the World Cup.

And the Daily Mail state VAR could even be up and running in the top flight in two weeks' time with the technology set to get the green light. The SFA are poised to announced an update this week, it comes after Scottish FA head of refereeing Crawford Allan revealing the hope to accelerate the launch date.

Hibs' home clash with St Johnstone on Friday, October 21 was earmarked as a potential start date, however, it could be pushed back to the following weeks with date not set in stone amid the governing body keen to get it right before the big debut. It appeared set to debut after the showpiece event in Qatar but there are positive signs it will be in place before then.

Former category one official Des Roache, speaking on the Get Involved Referee podcast said: "They have been dry-running it, which is the correct thing to do and, if it's ready, why wait until after the World Cup? Let's go now. It's not often we say well done the SFA but, if they have everything in place now, that's good.' The total cost of VAR will come to £1.2million per season and will be met by 12."

The SFA are set for a press conference this week to provide a state of play update ahead of VAR's introduction.

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