VAR to make SAFF debut from Dhaka, with remote technology run from Thailand for semis and final

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology is set to be used for the first time in the history of the SAFF Championship. SAFF authorities have confirmed the technology will be seen in the tournament's last three matches — the two semi-finals and the final — at the National Stadium in Dhaka.

After a 2-2 draw against Bhutan, Sri Lanka coach Abdullah Al Mutairi had criticised the refereeing system. In his view, the result of the match could have been different if VAR had been in place. Following that discussion, the decision came to introduce the technology for the closing matches.

Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka 4-0 at the National Stadium yesterday to win Group B and reach the semi-finals. Ahead of the semis, SAFF authorities confirmed the use of VAR in a statement today. The statement said VAR will be used in the final phase of SAFF mainly to align with the standards of modern international refereeing.

The VAR technology has been made possible through the joint cooperation of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) and the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF). The Spain-based, FIFA-certified technology provider 'Quality' is operating the technology. The company's central operations are based in Thailand, and it is well known for supplying VAR technology to various international football competitions.

Under the remote VAR system, live video footage of matches held at the National Stadium in Dhaka will be sent to the central VAR operations hub in Thailand. There, video match officials (VMOs) recognised by FIFA and the relevant authorities will review various controversial incidents.

Following the VAR protocol of football's law-making body IFAB, they will provide the necessary assistance to the on-field referees. The VAR team's decisions and recommendations will be relayed directly to the match officials stationed in Dhaka.

To facilitate the operation of this technology, a modern referee review area and a technical operations team area monitor have been installed at the National Stadium. Quality's technology experts are working directly at the stadium to ensure uninterrupted video broadcast and operation of the VAR infrastructure.

In addition, all referees and assistant referees selected to officiate the semi-final and final matches have been trained in the use of VAR technology and hold the necessary certification. As a result, it will be possible to apply the technology effectively and consistently, following international standards.

In the group stage standings, Sri Lanka and Bhutan both finished on 1 point. But as the Sri Lankans lost 4-0 to Bangladesh yesterday, Bhutan reached the semi-finals as Group B runners-up. Their opponents in the last four are India, the Group A champions.

The Bhutan-India semi-final will be held at the National Stadium on 14 November at 3pm. In the second semi-final starting at 8:30pm that day, Bangladesh will face Pakistan. Bangladesh advanced as Group B champions with a full 6 points, while Pakistan advanced as Group A runners-up. The final will be held on 17 November.