The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is launching the CAF Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Academy for the 54 CAF Member Associations, aiming to elevate the standard of officiating in Africa.Following CAF’s recent hosting of the highly successful TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, where the quality of officiating was particularly noted, CAF is building on this success with the innovative academy set to be rolled out between September and October 2024.##NAJAVA_MECA_8305097##The CAF VAR Academy will train elite referees across the continent for international competitions and national championships in the use of VAR, ensuring that Africa continues to produce top referees, as seen in recent times.CAF Technical Development Director Raul Chipenda stated that the VAR Academy program is a practical step by CAF to improve the standard of match officiating in Africa and ensure that African referees are equipped to compete with the best in the world.“In recent months, CAF has focused on upskilling match officials in the use of VAR, which is why at the AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, our officials were rated among the best. However, having only a small group is not sufficient; we need a larger pool.Officiating plays a critical role in the development of African football, as evidenced by the success of the recent TotalEnergies CAF AFCON. CAF actively oversees and supports numerous football development programs and competitions across Africa. Therefore, it is equally important that match officials across the continent are equipped with the latest officiating technology, methods, and education to remain competitive with their peers,” said Chipenda.The CAF VAR Academy, which will include elite referees from all 54 CAF Member Associations, represents the first step in introducing VAR across the continent.As part of its rollout program, CAF will conduct VAR Academy workshops across its Zonal Unions in the coming months, aiming to reach 180 referees.Stars Abroad: Timothy Ouma shines in Sweden as IF Elfsborg secures Europa League spotSource: CAF
