With the guidance and active support from FIFA, the final steps for VAR technology to be officially operated in V-League 2023 are being urgently implemented by Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF). In the first stage, VPF will select about 3 to 5 matches in V-League 2023 to operate matches with VAR.

In order for referees to gradually catch up and get used to VAR technology, based on the scores of the teams on the current rankings, VPF and the Referee Board of the Vietnam Football Federation will coordinate to select matches that meet the criteria recommended by FIFA, and are expected to officially select matches to apply VAR from round 3 of phase 2 at V-League 2023.

VPF will select a number of matches in V-League 2023 to use VAR technology. Photo: VFF

The steps of implementing VAR technology in Vietnam are being monitored and supervised by FIFA throughout the entire operation process continuously for the next 3 years. During this time, everything from operations, VAR referees on duty and VAR vehicle technical systems must send data to FIFA. Any errors (if any) during this 3-year monitoring process can cause the implementation of VAR in matches to be suspended.

In order to implement the VAR implementation plan, VPF and the VFF Referee Board have planned to work with V-League clubs to disseminate related content. On July 14 and 15, VPF and the VFF Referee Board had their first working session with Viettel FC and Hong Linh Ha Tinh Club to disseminate information to players and members of the clubs. The discussion revolved around information on the operating principles and activities of VAR in matches, what players and coaches can and cannot do in matches with VAR. In the coming time, VPF and the VFF Referee Board will continue to work with clubs competing in the 2023 V-League season.

VAR (short for Video Assistant Referee) is a form of advanced technology applied to support referees through video. VAR technology is used in football to help referees make the most accurate decisions through recorded video tapes.

MINH KHANG

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