VAR Technology in African Football: CAF Announces Continental Implementation Timeline

The Confederation of African Football has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for implementing VAR technology across the continent, with full coverage of all CAF competitions and top-tier domestic leagues targeted by 2028. The initiative represents the largest technology investment in African football history.

The phased rollout will begin with the Africa Cup of Nations and Champions League before expanding to national leagues that meet minimum infrastructure requirements. CAF has partnered with technology providers to develop a cost-effective VAR solution tailored to African conditions, including compact systems that can operate in stadiums with limited existing infrastructure.

Training is a central component of the plan. A network of VAR training centres will be established across five regional hubs, with the first facilities opening in Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa. Over 200 referees are expected to complete VAR certification programs within the first two years of the initiative.

The Kenyan Premier League is among the leagues that have expressed early interest in adoption, though significant stadium upgrades would be required before implementation could begin. The Kenya Football Federation has begun discussions with CAF about the technical and financial requirements for bringing VAR to Kenyan football.