VAR to Debut at SAFF: Six-Nation Championship in Bangladesh Nov 5-17, India Confirmed

The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) is set to take a historic step to end long-running refereeing disputes in South Asian football. Strong preparations are under way to use Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology for the first time at the SAFF Championship to be held in Bangladesh next month.

SAFF general secretary Purushottam Kattel has officially confirmed the matter. If everything goes to plan, this edition will mark a new milestone for technology in South Asian football.

In South Asian tournaments, anger and dissatisfaction among teams over dubious offsides, fouls or controversial penalties are a regular sight. Disputes over on-field decisions have become a familiar picture of football in this region.

Because of huge financial cost and necessary technical limitations, VAR could not be used in any competition in the region until now. This time, an effort is being made to overcome that barrier.

The regional game's top body is making an all-out effort to introduce this modern technology with the aim of ensuring full transparency, fairness and accurate decisions in on-field football.

SAFF authorities have also officially cleared the speculation over India's participation in the upcoming tournament. Recent reports in some Indian media had suggested India might withdraw from this edition for political and security reasons.

The SAFF general secretary, however, completely rejected that claim and stated clearly that India is participating in the tournament without any uncertainty, and that such campaigning has no basis in reality.

The 15th SAFF Championship will get under way on Bangladesh soil from 5 to 17 November. Expectations among home supporters around the six-nation tournament are rising accordingly.

In Group A, hosts Bangladesh are joined by Bhutan and Sri Lanka. In Group B, India, Pakistan and the Maldives will compete.

With the possible inclusion of modern VAR technology and the strength of the teams, this edition is expected to be highly competitive.

If all goes well, November's tournament will not only be a fight for a regional title — it could also mark, on Bangladeshi soil, the beginning of an era of technology-based, transparent refereeing in South Asian football.