The head of the Safa referee, Victor Gomes, says that work on the VAR system has begun.



New Safa referee committee chairman and former first-class referee Victor Gomes says work has already begun on introducing Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR) to PSL.

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But according to him, there is still a lot of work to be done before the program can be fully implemented in the local game, so this may not happen soon.

Gomez says they are already working on a budget for the implementation of VAR, and talks have also begun with service providers.

“We need preparation first. But before I explain all that, let me talk about the process,” Gomez told Marawa Sports Worldwide on Wednesday.

Gomes says it’s a long process to launch the program and they need to make sure both Safa and PSL are ready to roll out.

Safa will have to make sure their judges are properly trained. PSL must ensure that clubs can provide the necessary facilities.

“FIFA has a 32-page document that they are handing out that outlines the requirements and how VAR works.

“Every game needs to be treated as if it were broadcast live on television — every game,” Gomes explained.

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“Once that is done, we will be able to introduce VAR. You can’t play one of the matches with VAR and the others can’t.

Gomez felt he had achieved his goals

“So we have to understand that once he’s in our leagues, he has to work in every game.”

Gomes says VAR will also help local referees when they go to training camp because they will be using the same system.

“As a referee, it was difficult for me to go to a match with VAR and change my refereeing style because it requires you.

“And then you get home and you have to change again,” the former PSL season referee said.

On why he quit early from a job he seemed to be so good at, he said he thought he achieved what he set out to do.

“I felt like I judged every final in Africa. I went to the Olympic Games, participated in the World Junior Championships in Brazil. And I just represented the country in Qatar.”