SA’s Qatar-bound referee calls for VAR

SA™s Qatar-bound referee calls for VAR

FIFA World Cup-bound match official Victor Gomes says he sees no future in his line of work in the Premier Soccer League, or the continent overall, without the implementation of the video assistant referee (VAR). 

His counterparts in Europe have long adjusted to this new technology while Africa™s football motherbody CAF have taken a gradual approach by implementing the system at major tournaments and advanced stages of club competitions. 

Gomes says he finds himself having to tweak his approach for domestic assignments, where no such technology has been made available as yet.

"We've been training a long time. I mean, we were part of the birth of VAR, so we've been there [prepared for the technology] for a long time," said Gomes.

"I've always said to people, when I come and ref a local game, I already have to adapt because of the protocols to follow with VAR and, when you don't have VAR in the match, you change a little bit.

"For example, with VAR, you always wait for the outcome of a promising attack, where without it you have to blow immediately - in fact, if you delay, people here will start throwing you with stuff, you know.

"So, I won't say we're on the back foot but I can say, those who have VAR in the country are already a step ahead. I don't see the future of football - or refereeing - without VAR. I know there are plans in place and the sooner we get it done, the better for everybody."

By Mazola Molefe