Ghana to Meet FIFA over VAR Implementation In Local League

Ghana will be hosting officials from FIFA in the next two days to deliberate on the West African country’s quest to make use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the Ghana Premier League (GPL).

The meeting will start on October 31 in Accra with the full VAR project team from FIFA in attendance, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced in a statement.

According to the FA, this meeting is a critical first step in FIFA’s Implementation Assessment Approval Program (IAAP)- an essential process for any Member Association (MA) aiming to adopt VAR technology.

“During the session, FIFA and GFA representatives will review comprehensive aspects of the VAR project and evaluate all necessary dependencies for its successful execution. Following the meeting, FIFA’s approval will mark the official go-ahead for VAR implementation in Ghana’s domestic league.”

Among the team from the international football governing body expected to arrive in Ghana today are Inokuchi Takaaki and Michael Bailey.

On the Ghana side will be General Secretary Prosper Harisson Addo (Esq.), Alex Kotey, the Head of Referees and VAR Team Leader, Emmanuel Aglago, VAR Instructor, Marian Mensah, Head of Legal Affairs and Francis Adu, Head of IT.

Also included are Julius Emunah, Head of Competitions, Neil Armstrong-Mortagbe, Head of PR and Strategy, and Christine Ziga, Chairperson of the Referees Committee.

The FA posits that this initiative reflects its commitment to enhancing the accuracy of refereeing decisions and aligning with global standards in officiating.

“This meeting is expected to pave the way for VAR to be effectively introduced into Ghana football as the Association continues with its efforts to enhance the game in the country.”

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini