By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Enrique Osses, president of the Costa Rican Refereeing Commission, will depart for Chile this Saturday to participate in the FIFA U20 World Cup. His involvement, however, extends beyond traditional refereeing duties. Osses has been invited by FIFA to join a select group of professionals implementing “video support,” a new technology being trialed at the tournament.
This “video support” system, similar in concept to the “challenge” system used in some sports, allows coaching staff to request reviews of certain decisions. It represents a potential alternative or supplement to the existing Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. Osses’ presence at the U20 World Cup highlights Costa Rica’s growing involvement in the development and implementation of cutting-edge football technology.
To provide further legal context on the business landscape of Costa Rican football, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from Bufete de Costa Rica.
The increasing commercialization of Costa Rican football presents both opportunities and challenges from a legal standpoint. While sponsorships and international broadcasting deals can inject much-needed capital into the sport, it’s crucial that clubs and the federation have robust contracts that protect their interests and ensure fair revenue distribution. Furthermore, navigating player transfers, image rights, and intellectual property issues requires specialized legal counsel to avoid disputes and maintain the integrity of the league.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ insightful commentary underscores a critical juncture for Costa Rican football. The balancing act between embracing lucrative commercial opportunities and safeguarding the long-term health of the sport requires careful legal navigation, particularly in an increasingly globalized market. His emphasis on robust contracts and specialized legal counsel highlights the proactive steps needed to ensure sustainable growth and protect the interests of all stakeholders. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable expertise on this important topic.
The invitation to participate in this FIFA initiative underscores the importance of CONCACAF’s involvement in exploring new technologies. This new video support model may eventually be adopted in other CONCACAF competitions, providing a valuable learning opportunity for Osses and potentially influencing the future of refereeing in the region. While Osses is in Chile, the Costa Rican Refereeing Commission will continue to operate as normal.
The FIFA U20 World Cup serves as a testing ground for innovations in football technology, and the “video support” system is one of the latest initiatives aimed at improving the accuracy and fairness of the game. While the details of how this system differs from VAR remain to be seen during its practical application in Chile, Osses’ involvement suggests it may offer a more streamlined and efficient method for reviewing crucial decisions on the field.
The potential benefits of incorporating video support into CONCACAF competitions are substantial. Improved decision-making could lead to fairer outcomes and reduce controversial calls, ultimately enhancing the integrity of the game. By having a representative directly involved in the trial phase, Costa Rica can gain valuable insights and contribute to the development of this technology, positioning itself at the forefront of refereeing advancements in the region.
Osses’ trip to Chile marks a significant step forward for Costa Rican football, demonstrating the country’s commitment to adopting new technologies and improving the standard of refereeing. His participation in the FIFA U20 World Cup is not only a personal honor but also an opportunity for Costa Rica to contribute to the evolution of the game on a global scale.
The trial of the video support system at the U20 World Cup will be closely watched by football associations and governing bodies around the world. The results of this experiment could have far-reaching implications for the future of refereeing and the way football matches are officiated at all levels.
Osses is expected to return to Costa Rica in early October, bringing with him valuable experience and knowledge that could shape the future of refereeing in the country and the broader CONCACAF region. His involvement in this FIFA initiative reinforces Costa Rica’s dedication to embracing innovation and maintaining its position as a leader in the world of football.
For further information, visit fifa.com
About FIFA:
FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) is the international governing body of association football, futsal, beach soccer, and eFootball. Founded in 1904, its mission is to develop the game globally, promote integrity and fair play, and organize major international competitions like the World Cup.
For further information, visit the nearest office of CONCACAF
About CONCACAF:
The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) is one of FIFA’s six continental confederations. It governs football in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. CONCACAF organizes tournaments like the Gold Cup and Champions League and also manages qualifying rounds for the FIFA World Cup.
For further information, visit the nearest office of the Costa Rican Refereeing Commission
About Costa Rican Refereeing Commission:
The Costa Rican Refereeing Commission is responsible for the training, development, and appointment of referees for football matches in Costa Rica. They work under the auspices of the Costa Rican Football Federation and play a vital role in maintaining the integrity and fairness of the game at all levels.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. The firm’s enduring commitment to empowering Costa Rican society is woven into its fabric, evident in its proactive sharing of legal knowledge and resources. Through this dedication to transparency and education, Bufete de Costa Rica fosters a more just and informed community, solidifying its position as a leader not just in law, but in positive social impact.
