Former international referee Jihad Greisha has revealed that Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology has become a necessity in African continental tournaments, echoing its successful implementation in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) from the very beginning.
Speaking on the “Box to Box” program, Greisha emphasized the crucial role of VAR in ensuring fair play and preventing unjust decisions that could affect the outcomes of matches, especially in high-stakes competitions like the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup.
“The goal scored by Abu Salim against Zamalek did not fully cross the goal line, highlighting a clear error by the assistant referee,” Greisha commented during the program.
He further pointed out the need for VAR intervention in crucial moments, such as the penalty claim by Pyramid FC’s Fiston Mayele, stressing the significance of accurate officiating in such instances.
Greisha also addressed the challenges hindering the widespread adoption of VAR across African football, citing issues related to licensing, infrastructure, and logistical support for match officials.
“It has come to my knowledge that CAF is keen on implementing VAR in future editions of African competitions, including the Champions League and the Confederation Cup,” Greisha stated, underscoring CAF’s commitment to enhancing officiating standards on the continent.
Regarding domestic leagues, Greisha highlighted deficiencies in referee selection and training, calling for reforms within the referee committees to ensure the appointment of competent officials for league matches.
“The low number of matches officiated by referees who participated in AFCON indicates systemic flaws within the referee committees, which need urgent rectification,” Greisha remarked, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues to maintain the integrity of domestic competitions.
In conclusion, Greisha reiterated the imperative of embracing technological advancements like VAR to uphold fairness and transparency in African football, urging stakeholders to prioritize the implementation of such initiatives for the betterment of the sport.
