Introduction: PSSI General Chair, Erick Tohir Confirms VAR Implementation in Liga 1 2023-2024

PSSI’s General Chair, Erick Thohir, has underscored the imminent introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the upcoming Liga 1 season of 2023-2024. Initially slated for implementation following a break during the 2023 Asian Cup, the road to utilizing VAR in Indonesia involves several preparatory stages, chief among them being the training of Human Resources to effectively handle the system. Alongside the main referee overseeing the match, the setup includes Assistant VAR (AVAR) and Replay Operator (RO).

Taking to his Instagram account, Erick Thohir disclosed that VAR is set to debut in the 2023-2024 Liga 1 Championship Series round. He expressed eagerness for VAR’s utilization to enhance the caliber of Indonesian football, citing its successful testing during the official 2023/24 Elite Pro Academy Final match. The aspiration is for VAR to elevate the standards of Indonesian football as a whole, signaling a positive step forward for the sport.

The trial phase for VAR has commenced with meticulously selected match equipment undergoing rigorous testing processes. A pivotal moment occurred during the Elite Pro Academy (EPA) Final at Manahan Stadium in Solo, Central Java, where referee Thoriq Munir Alkatiri turned to VAR when assessing a possible penalty box incident. Ultimately, VAR played a crucial role in adjudicating the situation, affirming no infraction had been committed.

This strategic incorporation of VAR into the fabric of Indonesian football marks a significant advancement for the sport, promising heightened fairness and accuracy in pivotal match decisions. As the landscape of Liga 1 evolves, the introduction of VAR is poised to redefine the league’s dynamics, fostering a more precise and just environment for players, coaches, and fans alike. The journey towards embracing VAR underscores PSSI’s commitment to embracing modern technological advancements as a means to enhance football in Indonesia.

Author
Recent Posts

Meghnad Iyer

Meghnad Iyer, our Indian football enthusiast, is the voice behind the vibrant narratives covering the Indian Super League (ISL). Born and raised in the football-crazed nation of India, Meghnad's articles are a celebration of the excitement and fervor that define Indian football.