VAR is costly; we're opting for the second option—GFA on why it's not in GPL

The General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Prosper Harrison Addo, has provided clarity on the delay in implementing the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in the Ghana Premier League (GPL).

Initially expected to be introduced during the ongoing season, the rollout of VAR has faced significant setbacks.

Speaking in an interview with 3Sports, Mr. Addo reiterated the GFA’s commitment to integrating VAR into the league to enhance officiating standards.

However, he highlighted the financial and logistical challenges involved in the process.

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We are on the journey to acquiring VAR, but some countries have more financial resources than others, allowing them to progress faster.

VAR is not something you can simply purchase; there are several steps involved, including training for referees and VAR technicians.

We have been working with FIFA on this process

He further revealed that while FIFA had initially engaged member associations to introduce VAR, the high costs made it difficult to implement.

As a result, FIFA is now collaborating with a partner company to develop a more affordable “VAR Light” system, which will take time to deploy.

Since the full VAR system is costly, we are opting for the second option, but our referees have already undergone some level of VAR training.

GPL resumes on March 7

Meanwhile, the Ghana Premier League, which has been suspended for the past three weeks following the tragic stabbing of a fan in Nsoatre, is set to resume on March 7.

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To ensure a safer match environment, the GFA has introduced stricter security measures to curb hooliganism and protect fans and officials.

The GFA remains focused on improving the league’s standards and is working diligently to bring VAR to the GPL in the near future.