FIFA and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) are scheduled to hold an important meeting on introducing Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology into Ghana’s local football leagues.
Taking place in Accra on October 31 and November 1, 2024, this two-day meeting will involve FIFA’s full VAR project team. Dubbed the “VAR kick-off meeting,” it is a crucial part of FIFA’s Implementation Assessment Approval Program (IAAP), a requirement for all Member Associations (MAs) wishing to adopt VAR.
During the meeting, representatives from FIFA and GFA will review all aspects of the VAR initiative and evaluate the resources and infrastructure needed to successfully launch the technology. This meeting marks the official start of VAR integration in Ghana, pending FIFA’s approval.
FIFA’s team, which includes experts Inokuchi Takaaki and Michael Bailey, is set to arrive in Ghana on October 30 to provide guidance on the technology and procedures associated with VAR.
Representing the GFA, General Secretary Prosper Harisson Addo will lead a delegation including prominent officials: Alex Kotey (Head of Referees and VAR Team Leader), Emmanuel Aglago (VAR Instructor), Marian Mensah (Head of Legal Affairs), Francis Adu (Head of IT), Julius Emunah (Head of Competitions), Neil Armstrong-Mortagbe (Head of PR and Strategy), and Christine Ziga (Chairperson of the Referees Committee).
FIFA requires attendance from the VAR Project Leader, the main Venue Media Officer, and a referee instructor to ensure all stakeholders are equipped for the technical and logistical aspects of implementing VAR.