CAF Champions League: Al Ahly urges CAF to consider introducing VAR at group stage games

Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly have formally approached the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to request the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the group stage of the Champions League.

The Red Devils were held to a 1-1 draw by AS FAR Rabat on Friday, ending their perfect start to the tournament.

Al Ahly expressed frustration over several decisions by referee Ahmed Abdel Razzaq, including a first-half penalty awarded to the Moroccan side.

Following a similar complaint from rivals Zamalek on Saturday, Al Ahly have now echoed calls for VAR to ensure fair play.

In an official letter to CAF, the club highlighted multiple violations during the second round of group stage matches, referencing reports from referees and match observers.

The statement included four key proposals aimed at enhancing fairness, security, and sportsmanship:

• Implementing all safety procedures before each match in light of security plans that ensure the competitions are held in a sporting atmosphere, and in a manner befitting the status of African football.
• Taking serious steps towards integrating Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology into all Champions League matches, as the biggest African competition, to achieve maximum fairness among all teams.
• All upcoming high-profile and high-profile matches will be assigned to elite African referees ranked by FIFA.
• Censorship of CAF regulations and adherence to them by all elements of the game will ensure a level playing field for all competitors

Al Ahly’s appeal underscores growing calls for technological assistance in African football’s flagship competitions, with the aim of safeguarding the integrity of the game.