Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology was used in Rwanda for the first time during a match at Stade Amahoro on Sunday 26th January.
The debut of VAR took place during the Urubuto Community Youth Cup, in an encounter between the under-16 teams of FC Bayern Munich Academy and Intare FTC.
This groundbreaking step makes Rwanda the second East African nation to adopt VAR, joining Tanzania, which actively utilizes the technology in its Premier League.
The use of VAR in the region is set to expand further later this year, with the technology confirmed for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania in August.
The debut in Kigali showcased the full implementation of VAR infrastructure, including six strategically placed cameras around the stadium and a dedicated VAR room near the players’ dressing rooms.
The rollout and usage of VAR in the League is pending FIFA approval and official training on the rules and technicalities of VAR.
Rwandan international referees, with oversight from Moroccan VAR experts, officiated the match.
One pivotal moment came late in the game when referee Nsabimana Célestin was called to review a penalty decision using the pitch-side monitor.
After consulting the footage, a penalty was awarded to Bayern Munich Academy, although the resulting kick was missed.
Rwanda Football Federation President Alphonse Munyantwali hailed the VAR debut as a transformative moment for Rwandan football.
“This is a significant milestone in our efforts to modernize sports infrastructure. It reflects our commitment to aligning with global football standards. We hope to extend this technology to other stadiums in the future as resources allow,” he said.
The adoption of VAR not only boosts Rwanda’s credibility on the global football stage but also inspires young athletes, according to Murangwa Eric Eugène, the organizer of the Urubuto Community Youth Cup.
“Introducing innovations like VAR shows our dedication to supporting youth development. It’s a moment of pride for our country,” he remarked.
Leading the VAR team was renowned Rwandan referee Mukansanga Salima, who managed the technology seamlessly during the match.
