Uganda’s long-awaited wish for the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in its football league is set to become a reality at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) happening next year in February.
Jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from 1 to 28 February 2025, the tournament which features only players plying their trade domestically will be the first edition to be hosted by three countries
Serge Aussume, CAF’s Competitions Officer and Host Country Manager, confirmed the decision during the Local Organising Committee’s Orientation Retreat at Silver Springs Hotel in Bugolobi. He emphasized the importance of VAR in ensuring fair play and improving the accuracy of officiating.
“VAR will enhance the integrity and quality of the games, aligning us with global football standards,” Aussume said.
The introduction of VAR marks a historic moment for the country as the technology is set to implemented for the first time in Ugandan football.
The technology has already been successfully deployed at major continental tournaments, including the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, which was lauded for its efficient use.
During the tournament, VAR will assist referees in critical match decisions such as goals, penalties, offside rulings, and red card offenses, aiming to reduce errors and improve fairness.
At the heart of this change is the Mandela National Stadium, which has recently undergone extensive renovations, including the installation of a dedicated VAR room.
This state-of-the-art facility will ensure that referees can make more accurate decisions during the tournament.
State Minister for Education and Sports, Peter Ogwang, assured the public that all infrastructure, including the VAR system, will be fully operational by February 2025, ahead of the tournament. He stressed that the government remains committed to providing world-class facilities for the competition.
FUFA President Moses Magogo expressed pride in Uganda’s role as the host of CHAN 2024, emphasizing the event’s historic significance.
“We are here to serve our country, and we will go down in history as part of the team that organized the biggest sporting event in East Africa,” Magogo remarked.
The successful implementation of VAR during CHAN 2024 could set the stage for its eventual use in the Uganda Premier League, giving fans and players hope for a more accurate and fair footballing future in the country.
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