Collina: VAR has been successful

After having reviewed the first 48 games of the tournament, Collina noted that referees called 95 per cent of incidents correctly, but the figure rose to 99.3 per cent accuracy when VAR was called into question.

He told reporters: ''We have always said that VAR doesn't mean perfection - there could still be the wrong interpretation or a mistake - but I think you would agree that 99.3 per cent is very close to perfection.''

When Collina was asked if the media would have access to the audio communication between the VAR and match officials, he was careful to stress the dangers of moving too quickly.

He said: ''Before running you have to learn to walk. I don't know what's possible in the future but I think it's a bit early for that now. I agree it would be interesting though, and would perhaps make decisions better accepted by the football community.'' 

FIFA's deputy general secretary, Zvonimir Boban, added: ''That would maybe be possible in a domestic league but would be hard at a World Cup. Which language would we use? There are 32 countries here.''