ZIFA Reveals US$3.2 Million Price Tag For Nationwide VAR System
Zimbabwean football is moving closer to introducing Video Assistant Refereeing, but the nationwide rollout will require an estimated US$3.2 million investment.
ZIFA says VAR equipment is already in the country, with preparations now underway to establish the infrastructure, train officials and test the system before it is introduced in top-flight competitions.
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US$3.2 Million Needed For Full Rollout
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi disclosed the projected cost after a two-day FIFA-led workshop held as part of preparations for the technology’s introduction.
He said the figure covers a system capable of serving football venues across the country, although the association is working with sponsors and other potential partners to meet the cost.
“To roll out a whole system that will cover the whole country, you’re looking at about US$3.2 million,” Magwizi said, according to The Herald.
He added that Sakunda Holdings had already committed to supporting the project, while other parties had also expressed interest in contributing.
ZIFA has partnered with Sakunda for the VAR project.
Equipment Already In Zimbabwe
The latest developments came after FIFA experts and FIFA instructor Felix Tangawarima, who is leading the Zimbabwe project, met with representatives from ZIFA, the Premier Soccer League, clubs, Government and municipalities.
The workshop was intended to establish the groundwork for implementation, with the association now planning to increase the number of officials capable of operating the technology.
Zimbabwe currently has seven referees who have undergone VAR training through CAF and COSAFA.
Magwizi said the association is initially looking at a system that can be moved between venues rather than immediately installing permanent equipment at every stadium.
“That’s the objective. Technically, it is possible if we bring in more kits, which may be installed in vans; those carry-away kits. It will be possible for a van to administer one venue and tomorrow go to another venue,” he said.
He said the preliminary plan could allow VAR to cover eight matches in a week, depending on the fixture schedule and available equipment.
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