The Chinese Football Association has signed a RMB 20 million deal to introduce the video assistant referee (VAR) system for the 2018 season of the Chinese Super League (CSL), according to a social media post by Chinese sports reporter Xiao Liangzhi.

Earlier, the Chinese national football governing body tested the additional assistant referees (AAR) system in some China League One and CSL matches. It is believed that this system will give referees additional support when a decision has to be made around the penalty area, as well as help make decisions on the goal line and assist in making decisions from the sidelines. 

The CFA signed the deal with a FIFA technology service provider on September 20, following the approval of the International Football Association Board.

According to earlier reports, China also decided to introduce new referee rules, including the establishment of a professional referee system, use of VAR technology, the establishment of Chinese football referee training academies and strengthening of referee exchanges.

Source: qq

Proofread by William Logsdon