The Council of Southern African Football Associations recently announced the implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the Southern region, which will be utilized at all COSAFA events.

The VAR system serves as a support tool for officials.

The Video Assistant Referee system was incorporated into the 2018/2019 edition of the Laws of the Game and was effectively utilized during the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

The VAR team supports the decision-making process of the referee in four match-changing situations, including goals and offenses leading up to a goal, penalty decisions and offenses leading up to a penalty, direct red card incidents (but not second yellow cards), and mistaken identity.

Sports Consultant Mathew Haikali stated that the decision to implement the Video Assistant Referee in the Southern region will enhance the development of referees and enable them to officiate at more international tournaments.

Seasoned Sports Journalist Conrad Angula criticized COSAFA's decision to introduce the VAR system, arguing that it diminishes the excitement of the game.

The Video Assistant Referee system will be employed at all upcoming COSAFA tournaments, starting with the Senior Men's COSAFA Cup in June.

Among African nations, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, and Zambia are the only countries that have implemented VAR systems.