Aston Lukoye
Summary
- “With VAR, the efficiency of our referees will undoubtedly be improved, thus ensuring a clear and fair decision,” said Prime Minister Majaliwa.
- The development of this technology aims to improve the quality and justice in soccer decision making in the Tanzania Premier League.
The Prime Minister of Tanzania, Kassim Majaliwa, has enthusiastically supported the upcoming introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the Tanzania Premier League, which will start next season.
VAR has been introduced in the Tanzanian football industry as part of the Tanzania Football Association’s (TFF) efforts to significantly improve match refereeing by reducing human error.
“With VAR, the efficiency of our referees will undoubtedly be improved, thus ensuring a clear and fair decision,” said Prime Minister Majaliwa.
“These achievements strengthen the reputation of our nation, ensuring players and fans can trust the outcome of matches, regardless of the level of competition.”
He stressed the importance of implementing VAR in Tanzania’s preparations to host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027 along with Kenya and Uganda.
The Prime Minister emphasized the positive impact of VAR on the integrity of football, noting that this initiative will eliminate human error and enhance the credibility of league matches.
He also recognized the partnership with FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), expressing hope that Tanzania’s investment in VAR technology will attract more international football events to the country
“Right now we have a good partnership with FIFA and CAF. They have brought various sports here, and I believe that with this investment, we should expect them to bring more sports to be played in the country,” said Majaliwa.
He commended Azam Media Limited for its key role in enabling VAR technology and for its huge investment in sports broadcasting.
This investment enables Tanzania to host major events such as AFCON, while Azam prepares to broadcast matches live.
The Deputy Minister of Culture, Arts and Sports, Hamis Mwinjuma, paid tribute to Azam Media for streamlining sports in Tanzania, especially boxing, by broadcasting detailed live broadcasts of competitions.
The CEO of Azam Media Limited, Patrick Kahemele, gave more details on the implementation of VAR, announcing that in collaboration with the TFF, three VAR sets will be operational next season to assist VAR in 60 percent of matches.
The development of this technology aims to improve the quality and justice in soccer decision making in the Tanzania Premier League.
In addition to VAR, Kahemele also announced the launch of Azam Sports 4 HD, a new channel that will broadcast Premier League matches and show live broadcasts of European leagues such as La Liga, Serie A, and Bun
