The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system has been installed at the newly refurbished Amahoro Stadium, and if all goes well, Rwanda may soon become the latest country to implement such technology in football matches. VAR is a technology-assisted officiating system designed to help on-field referees make accurate decisions during crucial moments of a match. ALSO READ: VAR set to be used in Rwanda's volleyball league Speaking with Times Sport, Ambroise Hakizimana, the head of the referees’ commission at Rwanda Football Federation (Ferwafa), confirmed that the equipment has been installed and preliminary tests have been conducted. The next step is approaching FIFA for official training on the rules and technicalities of VAR before the technology can be officially rolled out. In this article, Times Sport takes a look at key things to know about the upcoming use of VAR, what the technology is composed of, and whether it will be available in other stadiums across the country. 1. A system with multiple components and operators According to Hakizimana, VAR consists of various pieces of equipment, including cameras, a control room, monitors, and communication tools that allow on-field referees to stay in constant contact with the VAR team. The VAR team remotely monitors the game on multiple screens, gaining real-time access to video footage through various camera angles. The VAR team typically includes a VAR official (often a former or current referee), assistant video assistant referees (AVARs), and a video replay operator. ALSO READ: Mukansanga retires from international refereeing The system continuously monitors gameplay and alerts the referee if a potential error is detected during a match. Reviewable incidents include: goals/no goals, penalty/no penalty, direct red cards. 2. Ferwafa set to apply for FIFA training Hakizimana told Times Sport that Ferwafa is preparing to apply to FIFA for training on the rules and technical support necessary for the proper use of VAR. The country cannot begin using the technology until FIFA has provided training and approved qualified personnel. The training process involves multiple sessions, and the approval of individuals to operate VAR depends on factors such as the number of training hours completed and the passing of exams. 3. Ferwafa already has some trained personnel We are fortunate to have Salma Mukansanga, who holds a VAR license, said Hakizimana. Mukansanga, a retired international Rwandan referee, received VAR training and assisted in the installation of the system at Amahoro Stadium. However, FIFA's official training will be required for Ferwafa to fully implement VAR. ALSO READ: A look at Rwandan referees who have officiated at AFCON finals Hakizimana explained that there is a specific number of study hours required, followed by exams that must be passed. Though Ferwafa has trained some referees who have used VAR before, they have not yet attained official certification. These include Samuel Uwikunda, Pantiente Rulisa, Aline Mutoni, Dieudonne Mutuimana, and Jean-Claude Ishimwe. 4. It can be used in more stadiums Hakizimana also pointed out that the VAR setup at Amahoro Stadium could potentially support matches at other stadiums across the country. Through technology, matches played at distant locations can be monitored remotely in real-time from the control room at Amahoro Stadium, allowing the VAR system to review decisions and assist referees during games in various venues. The concept of VAR was first introduced as part of the Refereeing 2.0 project by the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) in 2010. The project aimed to use technology to reduce errors in refereeing decisions. While goal-line technology, also part of the project, was quickly adopted and accepted by FIFA after trials in 2012, VAR took longer to gain widespread support. The first live trial of VAR took place during a friendly match between Eredivisie clubs PSV and FC Eindhoven in July 2016. Internationally, VAR was first used in a friendly match between Italy and France on September 1, 2016.
