FERWAFA President Announces Testing of Video Assistant Referee Technology
The President of the Rwanda Football Association (FERWAFA), Fabrice Shema, has officially announced that Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology will be tested during the second round of the Rwanda Premier League (RPL). This decision comes amid ongoing concerns regarding officiating standards in the league, which have been highlighted by recent controversies and suspensions of referees.
During a press conference held on Monday, October 27, 2025, Shema addressed the media and the public, outlining the steps that will be taken to implement VAR in Rwandan football. He emphasized the importance of improving officiating quality, stating that the introduction of VAR is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
Training for Referees
As part of the preparation for the VAR system, referees will undergo specialized training to ensure they are well-equipped to utilize the technology effectively. Shema noted that while the VAR department is based in Tanzania, there is no need to send only a few referees for training. Instead, he has requested that experts from Tanzania come to Rwanda to train a larger group of officials locally. This approach aims to enhance the overall officiating standards across the league.
“It’s likely that we will begin testing VAR in the first few matches of the second round,” Shema stated, indicating a proactive approach to addressing the officiating issues that have plagued the league thus far.
Current Officiating Challenges
The 2025/26 RPL season has already reached Matchday Five, and refereeing has been a contentious topic among teams and fans alike. Several referees have faced suspension due to inconsistent officiating, leading to increased scrutiny and criticism from various stakeholders in the football community. Teams have frequently voiced their complaints regarding the quality of officiating, which has prompted FERWAFA to take action.
Installation of VAR Technology
In preparation for the testing phase, the VAR system has already been installed at the newly refurbished Amahoro Stadium. This venue is expected to serve as a key location for the initial trials of the technology. If the testing proves successful, Rwanda could soon join the growing list of African nations that have adopted VAR in their domestic football leagues.
Understanding VAR Technology
VAR, or Video Assistant Referee, is a technology-assisted officiating tool designed to help referees make more accurate decisions during critical moments of a match. The system utilizes video footage from the game to review decisions related to goals, penalty calls, direct red card incidents, and cases of mistaken identity. By implementing VAR, the Rwandan football authorities aim to enhance the integrity and fairness of the game.
As the Rwandan football community awaits the implementation of VAR, there is cautious optimism that this technology will help resolve some of the ongoing officiating challenges and improve the overall quality of the league.
Key Points
- FERWAFA announces VAR testing in Rwanda Premier League.
- Referees to receive specialized training for VAR implementation.
- Concerns over officiating quality have led to referee suspensions.
- VAR system installed at Amahoro Stadium for testing.
- Rwanda aims to join other African nations using VAR.
Sources: New Times
