The first test of this technology was carried out at Stade Amahoro, in the “Urubuto Community Youth Cup” match between Intare FTC and FC Bayern Munich in the Under-16 category.
In this first match to test VAR equipment, which ended with Bayern Munich Academy defeating Intare FTC 4-1, in this match, international Rwandan referees including center and wing referees were used, but some Moroccan experts were also called in to show them how to use VAR technology.
There were six cameras at the Amahoro Stadium, including two on the ground, all of which fed video to the three referees using VAR. On the pitch, there was a video recorder that could be used by the referee on the pitch if he had to go to check if there was a mistake. In addition, all the referees were wearing communication devices that allowed them to communicate with those in the VAR room.
Munyantwali Alphonse, President of FERWAFA, said that it was a good thing that the Amahoro Stadium had this VAR technology, saying that it requires capacity and there is hope that as it becomes available, it will reach other stadiums.
It is expected that the Confederation of African Football Associations will approve the use of this technology. So far, Mukansanga Salim is the referee with knowledge of VAR technology.
VAR began to be tested in 2016 in the United States, and shortly after it was approved in early 2018 and was immediately used at the World Cup in Russia.
