VAR Technology Introduced for the First Time in SAFF Championship

Sports Desk

For the first time in the history of the SAFF Championship, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology is being used. This is a major milestone for South Asian football. The semi-finals and final of the ongoing ‘Techno SAFF Championship 2026’ will use remote VAR technology. This will elevate South Asia’s premier competition to modern international refereeing standards.

The technology has been jointly implemented by the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) and SAFF. The VAR system will be operated by Spain-based FIFA-certified technology provider Quality, headquartered in Thailand. The company is well-known for providing VAR services in various international football competitions.

Under the remote VAR model, live match footage from the National Stadium in Dhaka will be sent to the central VAR Operations Hub in Thailand. There, certified Video Match Officials (VMOs) will review the match events in accordance with IFAB protocols and assist the on-field referees. The VAR team’s decisions and advice will be communicated directly to the match officials in Dhaka.

A fully equipped Referee Review Area (RRA) and Technical Operations Team Area Monitor (TOTAM) have been set up at the National Stadium in Dhaka to ensure smooth operation of the technology. Technical experts from ‘Quality’ are working on the field to ensure smooth transmission and operation of the VAR infrastructure during the match. In addition, all the referees and assistant referees selected for the semi-finals and final are trained and certified in VAR operation.

Commenting on this historic initiative, SAF General Secretary Purushottam Cattel said, “The introduction of VAR is a landmark moment for football in South Asia. It is an important step in enhancing the professional standards of our competitions. We are extremely grateful to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the ASEAN Football Federation for their invaluable support in introducing this technology.”

Purushottam Cattel added, “VAR has become an integral part of modern football, bringing greater accuracy to crucial match decisions and ensuring transparency and fairness. We believe this milestone will not only elevate the standard of the Techno SAFF Championship 2026, but also pave the way for the adoption of advanced football technology across South Asia.”