In the NFL, video review has become a permanent fixture. The NBA and NHL use it to assist referees. Major League Baseball slowly came around.
And now MLS is turning to technology to improve officiating. In doing so, however, the league will attempt to strike a balance between getting calls right and avoiding long delays in a sport that prides itself on continuous play.
Beginning this weekend, a video assistant referee (VAR) stationed at every match will monitor plays and communicate with the head official at key moments. Only four areas are subject to review: goals, penalty kicks, direct red cards and cases of mistaken identity.