Plans by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) to introduce Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in local football are expected to strengthen accountabi...
Plans by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) to introduce Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in local football are expected to strengthen accountability in officiating and increase confidence among players, coaches and supporters.
ZIFA announced on Friday that it is working with Sakunda Holdings to implement the VAR programme, with the association targeting the end of this year for the installation of equipment at the National Sports Stadium.
The programme is expected to extend to Rufaro Stadium and Barbourfields Stadium by March next year, according to the plans announced by ZIFA.
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VAR is designed to assist match officials in reviewing key incidents using video technology. The system can be used in situations involving disputed penalties, goals, red cards and incidents inside the penalty area.
Refereeing decisions have frequently been a major part of post-match discussions in Zimbabwean football. Controversial decisions have led to questions from coaches, players and supporters over whether some key incidents were handled correctly.
The planned introduction of VAR could provide referees with an opportunity to review important incidents before making or confirming certain decisions. The technology, however, is not expected to remove human error completely.
Concerns over the standard of officiating have been significant. At least 15 referees have been suspended by the referees committee this year over decisions deemed to have influenced the outcome of matches.
More than 20 officials were also suspended for various offences last year, according to the information provided.
The introduction of VAR is therefore expected to provide another layer of review during matches. By allowing referees to use video footage when reviewing key incidents, the system could help address some of the doubts surrounding controversial decisions.
Football commentator Archifold Mundava said the use of data and technology could help improve the game and increase the credibility of match results.
“Using data will help football a lot because it eliminates human errors, and the coming in of VAR will help to bring credibility to the results,” Mundava said.
Sports Correspondent Richard Zimunya also welcomed the planned introduction of the technology, while highlighting the need to support local officials.
“Credit TO ZIFA, our local officials need support, and this technology will mean that all the coaches and fans who have been crying over decisions that will be a thing if the past,” Zimunya said.
However, introducing VAR involves more than purchasing and installing equipment at stadiums. The technology requires suitable video infrastructure and reliable feeds to enable match officials to review incidents effectively.
ZIFA is also expected to work with broadcasters as part of the process. Broadcasters play an important role because VAR depends on the availability and quality of video feeds from cameras covering the match.
According to Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards, VAR technology requires at least eight high-quality, real-time, uncompressed high-definition broadcast cameras with standard high-definition feeds.
The requirements also include Super Slow Motion (SSM) or Ultra Slow Motion (USM) cameras. These additional cameras are used for complex or fast-moving incidents, including certain penalty and foul decisions.
The technical requirements mean that the success of the VAR programme will depend not only on the equipment installed at the stadiums but also on the quality of the video infrastructure supporting it.
The National Sports Stadium is expected to be the first venue to receive the VAR equipment under ZIFA’s current timetable. The association is targeting the end of this year for installation at the stadium.
Rufaro Stadium and Barbourfields Stadium are expected to follow, with ZIFA targeting March next year for the installation of VAR equipment at those venues.
The planned rollout would give Zimbabwean football access to technology already used to review significant match incidents in football.
VAR does not replace the referee on the field. Instead, it provides additional information that can assist officials when reviewing incidents that fall within the situations covered by the system.
The technology could therefore provide referees with greater access to evidence when dealing with controversial decisions.
For coaches and players, the introduction of VAR could reduce some of the uncertainty surrounding decisions that can influence the outcome of matches. Supporters could also have greater confidence that key incidents can be reviewed when necessary.
The number of referees suspended in recent seasons has added to the calls for stronger support and systems around local officiating. The planned technology is being presented as one way of improving the process.
However, the effectiveness of VAR will depend on how it is implemented and whether the required technical standards are maintained during matches.
The availability of high-definition cameras and reliable real-time feeds will be important to the operation of the system. Without the necessary infrastructure, VAR cannot provide officials with the video coverage required to review incidents.
The partnership between ZIFA and Sakunda Holdings is expected to support the implementation of the programme as the association works towards its stated installation targets.
The move represents an investment in the use of technology within Zimbabwean football. It also comes at a time when officiating decisions continue to generate discussion after matches.
While VAR cannot eliminate every disagreement over refereeing, video review can provide officials with additional information when dealing with specific incidents.
The planned introduction also has implications for the credibility of local competitions. Accurate and consistent officiating is important because refereeing decisions can directly affect goals, penalties, red cards and other significant moments in matches.
The system could also provide a structured process for reviewing incidents that previously relied entirely on decisions made in real time by officials on the pitch.
For VAR to deliver the expected benefits, however, referees will need the necessary support and the technology will need to meet the required standards.
The technical demands outlined by CAF demonstrate the level of infrastructure required for a properly functioning VAR system. The use of multiple high-definition cameras and slow-motion technology is intended to ensure that officials have suitable footage when reviewing difficult incidents.
ZIFA’s timetable places the National Sports Stadium at the centre of the first phase of implementation, followed by Rufaro and Barbourfields Stadium.
If the programme proceeds according to the announced plans, Zimbabwean football could begin using video technology to assist referees in key matches and incidents.
The introduction of VAR is not expected to end all debates about refereeing decisions. However, it could provide officials with an additional tool to review important incidents and potentially reduce errors that affect match outcomes.
For Zimbabwean football, the planned rollout represents a move towards greater use of technology in officiating. Its impact will ultimately depend on the quality of implementation, infrastructure and support provided to match officials.
