The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has initiated the process for adopting Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in Ghana’s football competitions. A two-day VAR Kickoff meeting was held between a delegation from the FIFA VAR Team and GFA officials.
The FIFA VAR delegation, comprising Inokuchi Takaaki and Michael Bailey, engaged with GFA representatives to outline the Implementation Assistance and Approval Programme (IAAP). This program guides Member Associations in officially implementing VAR.
Deputy General Secretary, Ms. Ama Brobey-Williams, welcomed the FIFA VAR delegation, conveying felicitations from GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku and General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo.
Inokuchi Takaaki presented an overview of the FIFA Technology Unit and IAAP, highlighting key steps: administrative requirements, preparation and training, approval, implementation, and monitoring.
Mr. Alex Kotey, VAR Team Lead in Ghana, updated the meeting on Ghana’s preparations, including discussions with VAR service providers and infrastructure assessments.
Michael Bailey shared insights from VAR implementation in various countries, emphasizing potential challenges and the importance of proactive communication. He outlined the FIFA VAR Team’s philosophy, focusing on enhancing refereeing quality and game integrity. He also indicated to the meeting that VAR Implementation was adaptable to varying situations and environments. Michael dwelt on typical gap areas that might be encountered and the need for these to be looked at right from the onset so as to ensure that they are dealt with proactively.
The need for seamless communication on the VAR Adoption process was stressed by both Takaaki and Bailey, with the GFA officials and participants being strongly advised to engage all relevant stakeholders in the process right from the beginning – These stakeholders include Clubs, Referees, Other relevant officials, Match Commissioners, the Media, Supporters Groups and Stadium Management officials.
The meeting featured interactive sessions, including simulated situations. Participants in the meeting were Referees Manager Mr. Alex Kotey, Director [Legal] Marian Mensah, Head of Strategy and Public Relations Neil Armstrong-Mortagbe, Chair of the Referees Committee Christine Zigah, Referees Instructor and Assessor Emmanuella Aglago, Deputy Head of IT Joel Ahadjie, Maxwell Caesar of the GFA Competitions Department and Head of GFA Audiovisual Unit Emmanuel Osei.
GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku and General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo joined the closing session, reaffirming the GFA’s commitment to the swift implementation of VAR technology.
The primary action point arising out of the meeting is the preparation of a roadmap, to be led by Alex Kotey.
This major step towards VAR adoption demonstrates the GFA’s dedication to enhancing the quality of Refereeing and integrity in Ghana Football.
