Details Of VAR System Set To Make Kenya Debut At CHAN 2024

To Kenyans who have watched football in recent years, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system is only known for featuring in Europe's top five football leagues and in Africa, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

However, this is set to change during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) that Kenya is set to co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania, as the technology, which has drawn mixed reactions, will make its debut for the very first time, here in the 254!

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) is a technology-based system in football that supports match officials in reviewing key decisions using video footage. Introduced to reduce human error in high-stakes situations, VAR is designed to intervene only in four specific match-changing scenarios: goals, penalties, direct red cards, and cases of mistaken identity.

It is worth noting that the system isn’t meant to referee the whole game — just to correct “clear and obvious errors” that might change the outcome. It’s an extra pair of eyes, not a replacement for the main referee on the pitch.

A collection of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) systems in place at the Nyayo Stadium ahead of the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament. /KEVIN TEYA

How VAR Works

When the referee makes a decision — or even if they miss something entirely — the VAR team, seated in an off-site hub or a dedicated room within the stadium, immediately begins a silent review using multiple camera angles, including slow-motion and ultra-slow-motion footage.

This team consists of a main VAR (a qualified referee), Assistant VARs (AVARs), and a Replay Operator (RO). Their role is to act as a backup referee, closely monitoring the game and staying alert for any incidents the on-field official might overlook. 

If the incident checks out, play continues with no interruption. But if VAR spots something that might be wrong — like a missed handball before a goal or a foul in the penalty area — they communicate with the referee through a headset.

If it’s a factual issue, such as an offside, the VAR can recommend an instant change, usually communicated as "check complete", done after a referee immediately overturns a decision without having to go to the monitor.

For subjective decisions, like a penalty call, the referee has the option to conduct an On-Field Review (OFR), jogging to the pitch-side monitor to watch a replay and make the final call. The referee is always the one who makes the ultimate decision.

VAR Over The Years

Since it was formally written into the rules of the game on March 3, 2018, VAR has gone through growing pains. Initially criticised for delays and inconsistency, the system has gradually evolved. As of 2025, the technology and protocol have seen significant improvements aimed at speeding things up and making the process more transparent and fan-friendly.

One of the biggest upgrades in 2025 is the use of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) and connected ball systems. These tools are now standard in major tournaments like the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup and more recently, the English Premier League (EPL), which Kenyans follow the most out of the top European football leagues.

Instead of manually drawing lines, SAOT uses AI-powered limb tracking cameras placed around the stadium, plus sensors inside the match ball, to detect offside incidents almost instantly. This reduces review times from over a minute to just seconds, cutting dead time and preserving the flow of the match.

Despite all the upgrades, VAR still divides opinion. Its most obvious strength is accuracy. Across top leagues, data shows that VAR has improved correct decision-making by 10 to 15 percent in critical moments. The technology also adds a safety net to high-pressure scenarios, helping referees make fairer calls and reducing backlash from fans and teams. With SAOT, the visual evidence is much clearer, and the consistency is improving every year.

However, VAR also has a downside. For one, the rhythm of the game still suffers when a decision takes too long or occurs during a big emotional moment, and nothing kills the vibe faster than a delayed goal celebration or a three-minute wait for an offside line to be drawn. While reviews are faster than they used to be — averaging about 30 to 45 seconds for silent checks — even a short pause can be disruptive.

There’s also the issue of subjectivity: while offside is black and white, fouls, handballs, and penalties remain open to interpretation. Even with video replays, two refs might make different calls on the same incident.

Another persistent challenge is fan trust. Inconsistent use of replay graphics or unclear stadium announcements has created confusion and frustration among supporters. Without proper explanations, VAR decisions can feel random or biased, even when they're technically correct.

That’s one reason why live ref explanations — like those used in American football — are being considered in some leagues. Ref-cams and mic’d-up moments are helping bridge the gap, but there's still work to do.

VAR At CHAN 2024

Nonetheless, fans attending CHAN matches at either Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani or Nyayo Stadium will get to witness the drama and excitement of VAR firsthand. 

Even those new to the technology will have the opportunity to see it in action and deepen their understanding of how VAR works and how it impacts the game.

To make this possible, CHAN has already set things up — installing VAR monitors at both venues and bringing in trained VAR officials to oversee the matches.