Zimbabwe takes first step towards introducing VAR

Zimbabwe has taken a significant step towards introducing Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology after football officials met with FIFA experts in Harare to discuss the proposed project.

Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) president Nqobile Magwizi was part of the meeting, which focused on the potential implementation of VAR in the country.

The initiative is being supported by Sakunda Holdings as Zimbabwe explores the use of technology to strengthen its refereeing systems and improve decision-making during matches.

VAR is designed to assist match officials in reviewing key incidents, including goals, penalty decisions, direct red cards and cases of mistaken identity. Its introduction would give Zimbabwean referees access to additional technological support when dealing with major decisions.

The discussions with FIFA experts represent an early stage in Zimbabwe’s VAR journey, with further work expected before the system can be deployed in competitive matches.

The project is also expected to contribute to the development of refereeing standards in Zimbabwe, while helping officials make more accurate decisions during games.

For ZIFA, the initiative forms part of efforts to modernise the country’s football infrastructure and bring match officiating closer to international standards.

The involvement of Sakunda Holdings provides financial backing for the project, while FIFA’s technical expertise is expected to play a role in determining the requirements for implementing the technology.

Zimbabwe now joins a growing number of African football nations exploring or expanding the use of VAR as the technology becomes increasingly common across major competitions on the continent and worldwide.

The timing and competition in which VAR could first be used in Zimbabwe have not yet been announced.