FECOFA presidential candidate pledges introduction of VAR for 2026–2027 Linafoot season

The Linafoot championship is poised for a major overhaul with the planned introduction of Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR) starting from the 2026–2027 Ligue 1 season.

FECOFA presidential candidate Veron Mosengo Omba has confirmed the initiative, positioning it as a key step toward modernising Congolese football and addressing long-standing concerns over officiating standards.

The announcement comes in the wake of a season heavily clouded by refereeing controversies, including disputed goals, questionable penalties, and contentious red-card decisions.

These incidents have fuelled widespread criticism and, at times, undermined confidence in the integrity of the competition.

Against this backdrop, VAR is being presented as a corrective measure aimed at improving decision-making and restoring credibility to the league.

Beyond addressing officiating disputes, the move is also part of a broader vision to align Linafoot with the standards of top African and global competitions.

However, questions remain over how the system will be financed, deployed, and maintained, given the logistical and organisational challenges facing several clubs in the league.

If successfully implemented, the introduction of VAR would mark one of the most significant developments in recent Congolese football history.

Supporters are, however, hoping that the technology will deliver what matters most: fairer decisions and greater transparency on the pitch.