27 March 2019 – The VAR system will play a massive part in helping match officials to make more accurate decisions in incidences which might require a second glance review before a final decision is taken in match.
This is according to CAF Referee Instructor, Jerome Damon, who stated that disciplinary cases regarding referees being suspected for being involved in match-fixing scandals; have dropped massively.
Jarome was speaking from the ongoing CAF VAR Workshop currently taking place in Johannesburg.
The two-time retired PSL Referee of the season (2004/05 and 2008/09) also added that this technology will play a massive part in helping referees to make more accurate decisions in incidences which might require a second glance before a decision is called.
“We only have a few referees who are qualified to operate the VAR system or officiate in matches where this technology is used,” Damon said.
“The intention is have as many referees as possible because we now only have a few. CAF has already started using the VAR system in their competitions such as in the previous CAF Champions League two legged final and the CAF Super Cup as well.”
Damon continued: “There is a big call for match officials to always get their decisions right at all times. This VAR technology will play a hand in making sure that such decisions are made in matches. FIFA has made it very clear that the VAR technology is here to stay. And that is because it is the future of referreeing in the sport.”
Damon also added that stats have proven that the VAR technology has made a massive impact in improving the quality of decisions taken by referees in the sport.
“Stats have proven that the VAR technology has played a part in the massive drop of disciplinary sanctions regarding players fighting with referees over a decision they were not happy about” concluded Damon.