The Professional Referee Organization (PRO) today announced that retired FIFA referee Howard Webb, one of the most accomplished officials of his generation, will join the organization as the Manager of Video Assistant Referee Operations. Beginning in March, Webb will oversee the development and education, assessment, and assignment of Video Assistant Referees (VARs) for PRO. During approximately 30 preseason matches, MLS will continue live, in-game VAR testing with the goal of implementing live, in-game testing during MLS regular season matches in the second half of the 2017 season.
Webb retired from an illustrious 25-year career after officiating more than 500 English Premier League and Football League games, overseeing UEFA Champions League games and serving as a FIFA international referee for UEFA European Football Championship matches and during two FIFA World Cups.