Controversial VAR Debuts in Africa Cup of Nations

Date: 10 July 2019 - 21:18

News ID: ۶۷۹۶۷

CAIRO (AFP) - VAR, the video review system that sparked chaotic scenes at the CAF Champions League final two months ago, made its Africa Cup of Nations debut for Benin's last eight clash with Senegal in Egypt.
The technology used from the quarter-finals of Africa's premier football competition, with officials hoping the drama during some previous VAR matches in the continent can be avoided.
"VAR requires not only equipment, but also expertise," stressed CAF secretary general Moaz Hajji.
"Everything is ready for its implementation."
The technology was supposed to be used in the second leg of the CAF Champions League final between Esperance Tunis and Wydad Casablanca in Tunisia, but malfunctioned before kick-off.
Wydad refused to continue playing when a disallowed equalizer could not be reviewed, despite the team having reportedly been told before the return match VAR would be unavailable.
After a 90-minute delay, an Esperance team leading 2-1 overall were awarded the match only for the organizers to later order a replay at a neutral ground.
No date or venue has been announced amid hints from both clubs they will take legal action over the decision.
In the first leg of the 2018 Champions League final between Cairo club Al Ahly and Esperance, the Algerian referee used VAR to award two hotly disputed goals.
Replays suggested Walid Azaro dived to win a penalty and the Ahly forward later deliberately tore his shirt to gain another spot-kick.
Ahly won the match, but finished overall losers after a heavy second-leg defeat.
****The VAR monitor that did not work at the CAF Champions League final in Tunisia two months ago, leading to the match being abandoned.