VAR to be used at 2018 World Cup finals

Video assistant referees will be used at this summer's World Cup finals in Russia following a landmark decision by football's lawmakers.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has "unanimously approved" the inclusion of VAR in the tournament and formally added it to the laws of the game, reports BBC Sport.

FIFA is expected to ratify the technology and add it to its rulebook at a meeting in Colombia later this month.

"As of today, video assistant refereeing is part of football," said FIFA president Gianni Infantino in a statement.

"We hope and encourage a favourable decision in this respect because we are very positive about VAR."

VAR has been trialled in English cup competitions this season and has also been used in Germany and Italy.

Domestic leagues and cups must submit an application with IFAB to implement the system, though reports suggesting that the Premier League is not considering introducing the system next season.