SAFF Championship introduces VAR for first time, Dhaka matches to be controlled from Thailand

For the first time in the history of the SAFF Championship, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system is being used. The technology will be available in the tournament's semifinals and final. Interestingly, while the matches will be played at the National Stadium in Dhaka, the VAR will be operated from Thailand.

The decision has raised questions about why the VAR operation is being handled by another country when the matches are taking place on Bangladeshi soil. SAFF General Secretary Purshottam Kattel has clarified that there is no obligation for the host country to have the control center for VAR operations.

Thailand's role in VAR management

Speaking to Prothom Alo over the phone, the SAFF General Secretary said, "The same system is in place in Southeast Asian football. Under the Asean Football Federation (AFF), VAR operations for matches in various countries, from Indonesia to Myanmar, are managed from a central control room in Thailand. The entire region's matches are controlled from Thailand."

This explanation indicates that the practice is already established in Southeast Asia, and SAFF is following the same approach. Having a central control room in Thailand manage VAR for multiple countries is believed to offer advantages in technical expertise and experience.

A new milestone for SAFF Championship

According to a report by The Daily Star, the introduction of VAR in the SAFF Championship for the first time marks a significant milestone for South Asian football. The technology is expected to assist referees in making crucial decisions during matches and bring greater transparency to the game.

SAFF has decided to use this technology in the semifinals and final of the tournament. However, group stage matches will not feature VAR. Officials believe that having the VAR controlled from Thailand while matches are held in Dhaka will not pose any technical difficulties.

Reactions and next steps

While there is no major controversy over the VAR operation itself, the fact that it will be controlled from outside the host country is a new development. However, according to SAFF's explanation, this is an established practice in international football. After its success in Southeast Asia, the system has now been introduced in South Asia.

Football fans will be watching closely to see how effective the VAR proves to be in the upcoming matches. The use of this technology is expected to contribute to the overall improvement of the game.