For most Kenyan football fans, their sole experience of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system is when they are watching their favourite football teams based in Europe. However, by attending the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) that Kenya is set to co-host, they can get their first real-time experience of the novel piece of technology that has significantly changed the trajectory of football since its inception.
VAR is a technology-assisted officiating system in football designed to help the referee review decisions and correct "clear and obvious errors" or "serious missed incidents" in game-changing situations. It operates under the philosophy of "minimal interference, maximum benefit," meaning it is only meant to intervene in specific, game-changing situations to correct clear mistakes.
A collection of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) systems in place at the Nyayo Stadium ahead of the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament.
Photo Kevin Teya VAR has already left its mark on football due to the sheer number of instances where it can be applied.
