PETALING JAYA: The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) will implement Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in their upcoming competitions after successfully introducing it in the recently concluded Under-16 boys' championship in Solo, Indonesia.
AFF will progressively introduce VAR in their other competitions beginning with the Under-19 boys tournament from July 17-19 followed by the Club Championship Shopee Cup 2024-25 from Aug 21, 2024 to May 21, 2025 and the Mitsubishi Electric Cup later in the year from Nov 23-Dec 21 23.
"The AFF believe VAR is reshaping football and has become one of the most pivotal building blocks that will raise our competitions to another level," said AFF president Major General Khiev Sameth.
"The adoption of this technology in the boys' Under-16 in Solo, Indonesia, is in line with the AFF's planned and sustained efforts to elevate our competitions including providing the best possible support for referees to enable them to make accurate, consistent and informed decisions,” added Sameth.
"I am reflecting the appreciation of the AFF council by expressing my gratitude to FIFA, AFC, Erick Thohir and his colleagues in PSSI for the immense assistance rendered in the implementation of VAR at the recent tournament.”
"Additionally, I would like to thank the VAR Project Team chaired by Mr Viphet Sihachakr, AFF General Secretary, Mr Winston Lee as well as Mr Rodzali Yacob and his team of referees for their relentless efforts during the implementation process," said Sameth.