- The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) has announced the implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, set to begin in January 2025, as part of a gradual rollout aimed at enhancing officiating standards
- This initiative, supported by the vision of President Alassane Ouattara, will see initial testing in select matches before full operational capacity is achieved by the next season
- The FIF aims to position Côte d’Ivoire among Africa’s elite footballing nations through improved match integrity and modernized officiating practices
Ivorian football is set to embrace a significant technological advancement with the official introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR)* system, commencing in January 2025.
This announcement was made by Yacine Idriss Diallo, the President of the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), during a training session organized by FIFA on November 5, 2024.
Diallo outlined a phased approach for VAR’s rollout, emphasizing the need for careful integration. “We can’t implement everything at once, but we must establish clear objectives. Starting in January, we will conduct tests in one or two matches. Gradually, by the end of the year, we aim to enhance our operations and potentially be fully functional by next season,” he stated.
This methodical strategy reflects a commitment to ensuring that referees are adequately prepared to utilize this technology effectively.
The introduction of VAR has been made possible largely due to His Excellency Alassane Ouattara, the President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. His administration facilitated the acquisition of two VAR systems as part of the preparations for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)
The FIF believes that VAR technology will significantly elevate officiating standards within Ivorian football. Diallo remarked that the objective is for Côte d’Ivoire to be recognized among Africa’s elite footballing nations—not just for its competitive results but also for its organizational prowess and modernity.
The introduction of VAR is also expected to reduce contentious decisions and enhance fairness on the pitch, addressing long-standing concerns regarding officiating integrity.
To facilitate this transition, a comprehensive training program was conducted for twelve Ivorian referees under the guidance of FIFA experts Inokuchi Takaaki and Baley Michaël Ronald. This two-day seminar aimed to familiarize officials with VAR technology’s technical aspects and operational challenges. Bonaventure Kalou, President of the Central Referees Commission (CCA), emphasized that this training is crucial for ensuring a successful implementation of VAR.
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