By Adiza Bawa
Ghana Football Association President, Kurt Okraku says plans are underway to begin the processes to roll out the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the Ghana Premier League.
He said the Association is in talks with FIFA.
He said the Referees’ Manager Alex Kotei is in direct talks with the world football governing body, exploring the possibility of using the technology in Ghana.
“Our Referees Manager Alex Kotei has been at the forefront dealing with FIFA and we’re exploring the possibility of using the technology”, he noted.VAR has been utilized in matches since the International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved its usage in 2018, albeit not all competitions and nations have been able to use the technology due to a variety of factors.Speaking on GTV Sports+, Mr Okraku said the use of the VAR is very expensive.“But what’s true also is that it’s too expensive”.When asked how much it costs, Mr. Okraku said that it will cost thousands of dollars and the FA will need investors to ensure that the implementation is successful.There are calls for the introduction of VAR in Ghana ‘s Local League to assist referees as the game continues to grow.Referees in Ghana have had a torrid time officiating games as they continue to make hasty decisions because they do not have the benefit of replay.The first VAR used in Ghana was at the 2022 World Cup qualifier against Nigeria at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in March 2022.
The VAR helped to overturn decisions in both legs during the crucial World Cup play Offs.
Research shows that the VAR is a fairly new method in football, and it has been used in games. It can grant penalties that might have been missed by the referee, as well as those that a referee misjudged.
The referee is the only person who can request the VAR, so this can also impact the game. If the referee doesn’t request it, they can’t review the play.
Every Premier League fixture has a Video Assistant Referee (VAR), a qualified referee who watches the match via a number of screens and can view slow-motion replays, enabling them to advise the on-field referee.
