Uganda: Referee uses TV as VAR

Ugandan referee Muzamir Waiswa has become an overnight sensation on social media after an unconventional decision during the betPawa Big League match between Kataka and Blacks Power on Sunday, October 1 in Mbale.

In the 86th minute of the highly contested match, Waiswa Muzamiru awarded a penalty kick to Kataka, sparking controversy among players and spectators. With no Video Assistant Referee (VAR) available, Waiswa appeared uncertain and opted to take matters into his own hands by consulting the television van to review his contentious penalty call against Blacks Power.

The decision sent shockwaves through the stadium, and the players from Blacks Power vehemently protested, with emotions running high as one of their players was deemed to have handled the ball in the penalty area.

Minutes later, to the astonishment of everyone present, Waiswa overturned his initial decision after reviewing the footage, concluding that there was no handball. The match ultimately ended with a 2-1 victory in favor of Kataka FC.

The incident has reignited the debate surrounding the introduction of VAR technology in African domestic leagues. Many are now questioning when the continent will follow suit and implement VAR to assist referees in making accurate decisions.

VAR, officially introduced in April 2017, has been widely adopted in various football leagues worldwide. It serves to review and make judgments on four crucial aspects of the game: goals, red card incidents, penalty decisions, and cases of mistaken identity when issuing cards.

As fans and football enthusiasts eagerly await the potential integration of VAR in African leagues, the unforgettable moment orchestrated by Muzamir Waiswa serves as a reminder of the ongoing discussions surrounding technology’s role in the beautiful game on the continent.

-The Post Ghana