FIFA are probing the possibility of replacing linesmen with robots anytime soon, MySportDab reports.

According to The Mirror, football’s international governing body have set up a new department to discover whether technology could be used further in football.

The linesman’s role has been identified as a potential area in which technology could come into use.

If the findings of the new department are favourable, football could see a three-man on-field officiating party reduced to just one.

An insider confirmed: “FIFA already have a department set upresearchinginto these exact areas.

“Will they replace referee assistants completely with cameras and computers ruling offsides and throw-ins? It could happen one day.”

Since its introduction into Premier League football at thestartof the 2019-20 season, VAR has stirred debate among fans and pundits alike.