The Union of West African Football Federations (UFOA) Zone B is set to enhance refereeing standards with an intensive training program on Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology.
A major step for West African football
Scheduled to take place from March 15 to 20, 2025, the training will be held at the Bingerville Technical Center in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
This initiative underscores UFOA B’s commitment to strengthening officiating across its seven member nations: Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, and Togo.
Strengthening VAR expertise
The training program is designed to equip audiovisual technicians and producers with essential VAR knowledge, ensuring effective implementation of the technology in the region’s football competitions.
Participants will receive in-depth instruction on key aspects, including system installation, configuration, image analysis, and seamless communication with match referees.
A crucial component of the training will be practical exercises, where participants will apply their skills in simulated match scenarios.
This hands-on approach aims to familiarize them with real-time decision-making and the intricate processes involved in reviewing contentious incidents.
Commitment to modernization
UFOA B’s initiative reflects a broader push toward modernization and professionalization in African football.
By prioritizing technology-driven officiating, the federation seeks to enhance match fairness and improve the overall standard of refereeing in the region.
As VAR continues to play an increasingly influential role in global football, UFOA B’s investment in training its technical personnel highlights its dedication to ensuring that West African football keeps pace with international standards.
The upcoming session in Bingerville represents a pivotal moment in achieving this goal.
