The match between Morocco and Spain (2-0) at the U20 World Cup was the scene of a historic first. In the 78th minute, Mohamed Ouahbi, coach of the Atlas Lions, brandished the first green card in football history, following a penalty awarded to the Spaniards. The result: a review by VAR, a penalty cancelled, and a yellow card for simulation. This experimental FIFA system allows the head coach to request a video review of certain key decisions (goal scored or disallowed, possible penalty, direct red card, mistaken identity of player) twice per match (retained if the challenge is upheld). Inspired by the "challenges" already in use in tennis and volleyball, it introduces the coach for the first time into the refereeing decision-making process. Beyond regulatory innovation, the challenge for coaches is major: knowing when and how to use this resource, which, like for Morocco, can turn the tide of a match. If it is confirmed beyond this World Cup, the green card will give coaches a new tactical and psychological dimension.
During the Morocco-Spain U20 match, a green card resulted in a penalty for Spain being cancelled after VAR footage was reviewed. / ©Capture