Ghana Football Association initiates process to adopt VAR for competitions

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has commenced the process for adopting Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology into Ghana’s football competitions.

This comes after the GFA held a two-day meeting with a delegation from the FIFA VAR Team to discuss the implementation of the programme.

The FIFA VAR delegation, which included Inokuchi Takaaki and Michael Bailey, met with the GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo and other executives.

Mr Takaaki, a member of FIFA’s VAR Team, provided an overview of the FIFA Technology Unit and the IAAP, highlighting crucial procedures such as administrative requirements, preparation and training, approval, implementation, and monitoring. 

Mr Bailey shared insights from VAR implementation in various countries, emphasising potential challenges and the importance of proactive communication.

He outlined the FIFA VAR Team’s philosophy, focusing on enhancing refereeing quality and game integrity.

Mr Bailey also indicated to the meeting that VAR implementation was adaptable to varying situations and environments. Michael dwelt on typical gap areas that might be encountered and the need for these to be looked at right from the onset so as to ensure that they are dealt with proactively.

The FIFA VAR Team also stressed the need for the GFA to engage all relevant stakeholders, including officials, match commissioners, the media, and support groups, in the VAR processes right from the beginning.

Mr. Alex Kotey, VAR Team Lead in Ghana, gave an update on Ghana’s preparations, including discussions with VAR service providers and infrastructure assessments.

The GFA also reaffirmed their commitment to the swift implementation of VAR technology as they strive towards enhancing the quality of refereeing and integrity in Ghana Football.

Source: GNA