A significant technological milestone is set for the South Asian football landscape as the ongoing SAFF Championship prepares to implement the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) officially announced on Thursday evening that VAR will be employed for the remaining three matches of the tournament, covering both semi-finals and the grand final.
The system will operate remotely from Thailand rather than within the national stadium in Dhaka. Supported by the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF), the operation is managed by the Spanish-based, FIFA-accredited technology firm ‘Quality’. The firm will utilize its centralized control room in Thailand to monitor the live video feeds transmitted from the stadium via an internet connection. Trained video match officials stationed in Thailand will analyze the footage, adhering to the protocols established by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to provide real-time guidance to the referees on the field.
To support this infrastructure, the national stadium has been equipped with a Referee Review Area (RRA) and a Technical Operations Team Area Monitor (TOTAM). Experts from the technology provider are currently on-site in Dhaka to ensure the seamless execution of these operations throughout the matches. Regarding concerns over potential connectivity or distance-related disruptions, SAFF General Secretary Purushottam Kattel expressed confidence in the arrangements. He stated that the VAR system for the ASEAN Cup was successfully managed from Thailand, and this current deployment follows that proven model, with all necessary provisions made to handle internet stability and technical requirements.
Kattel described the introduction of VAR as a transformative moment for football in the region, noting that it represents a crucial step toward elevating the professional standards of the competition. He also extended gratitude to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) for their collaborative support in integrating this advanced technology into the regional championship.
