Super Eagles Assistant Coach Joseph Yobo has expressed concerns that in its current form, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) could drain the excitement from football.
VAR is yet to hit full swing in Africa, although it has been introduced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The Refereeing system was employed in the final of last season’s CAF Champions League, but it ended in controversy.
It debuted in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations after the approval by CAF’s executive Council, but the qualifying campaign of the 2021 AFCON and 2022 World Cup qualifiers will not depend on the Refereeing system.
According to Yobo, there has been marginal success recorded with the use of VAR.
He argues that the introduction of the system is necessary in football, but expressed concerns with the time it takes to make a decision with VAR.
The recently appointed Eagles assistant Coach told brila.net that VAR risked denying footballer and the fans what excitement comes with celebrating big moments during games.
“VAR is good for the game, but like everything in life, it has its flip side.”
“I think one of the biggest concerns and for me particularly is the fact that it takes soo long to decide a situation with VAR. Football is exciting because of the spontaneity and action on the go.
“VAR is draining denying the fans that value; players can’t even celebrate after scoring, because you’re not even sure,” said Yobo.
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