The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is holding extensive discussions over a possible expansion of the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in its two major club competitions.
Under the proposal being considered, VAR would be introduced from the group stage and remain in use through to the final of both the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.
VAR is currently implemented in the competitions from the quarter final stage onwards, meaning the proposed change would significantly increase the number of matches benefiting from video technology.
The discussions are being held as CAF continues efforts to improve refereeing standards and strengthen the overall quality of officiating across its club competitions.
However, no final decision has been reached, and the proposal remains under consideration. Any change would require further assessment of the technical, financial and logistical requirements involved in deploying VAR across a larger number of matches.
The discussions are taking place under the leadership of CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, who has overseen several initiatives aimed at modernising African football and improving standards across the continent.
If approved, the expansion would represent a major step in CAF’s use of technology, giving referees access to video assistance much earlier in the Champions League and Confederation Cup campaigns.
For now, clubs and supporters will have to wait for CAF’s final decision as discussions continue over whether VAR can be effectively extended to cover the group stages through to the finals.
