The implementation of VAR technology in the group stage of the Champions League

Oct 10, 2026

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the adoption of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology for the group stage matches of the CAF Champions League, starting this season. This move aims to enhance officiating and raise the level of competition in the continent's premier club tournaments. This decision will also apply to other relevant African competitions, according to officials from the governing body of football on the continent.

This announcement was made by Samson Adamu, the interim secretary general of CAF, during the African Confederation Strategy Conference held in Cape Verde. He confirmed the continental body's inclination to expand the use of technology to include the group stage, after it was previously limited to certain phases of the competitions.

This decision is part of ongoing efforts to reduce impactful officiating errors and provide fairer conditions for clubs participating in African competitions.

The implementation of VAR in the group stage of the Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup is expected to bring greater accuracy to crucial officiating decisions, especially in matches that see intense competition for qualification to the knockout stages.

This trend reflects CAF's desire to develop the tournament and align with the standards followed in the most important global competitions, despite the organizational and logistical challenges that may arise from the widespread use of the technology, including preparing stadiums and providing specialized equipment and teams.

In another context, Patrice Motsepe, the president of the Confederation of African Football, indicated the possibility of reviewing the organization of the Africa Cup of Nations, by studying a proposal to hold the tournament every two years. He emphasized that the topic is still under consideration and no final decision has been made yet.

These statements reignite the discussion about the most suitable format for organizing the continental competition, amid the need to balance the development of African football with the crowded international calendar and the commitments players have to their clubs.

Regarding the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 finals, Motsepe confirmed CAF's commitment to organizing the tournament in East Africa, with the participation of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. He noted that these three countries are his approved options for hosting this event, without considering other alternatives at this time.

This position coincides with increasing questions about the readiness of sports facilities and infrastructure in the three countries, especially in light of reports indicating varying preparation rates, with greater challenges in Kenya compared to Tanzania and Uganda.

The CAF president expressed optimism about these countries' ability to meet their commitments and complete the necessary preparations before the tournament date, stressing the importance of coordination between CAF and local authorities to ensure a successful edition that meets the required standards.

In this context, Motsepe held meetings with the presidents of Tanzania and Kenya to discuss the progress of preparations, with plans to include the Ugandan president in his upcoming communications, as part of a direct follow-up on various aspects related to organizing the tournament.

These moves reflect CAF's desire to maintain the project of hosting the Africa Cup of Nations in the eastern part of the continent, despite the challenges that may face the host countries, particularly regarding the qualification of stadiums, training facilities, improving transportation and accommodation, as well as ensuring security and organizational readiness to welcome teams and fans.

The ability of the three countries to accelerate work and comply with the specified standards remains a key factor in the success of this endeavor, as evaluations regarding the progress of projects are awaited.

With the expansion of VAR use in continental club competitions, the potential review of the Africa Cup of Nations frequency, and the insistence on holding the 2027 edition in East Africa, CAF's agenda appears open to significant organizational changes in the upcoming phase.

The success of these initiatives hinges on the governing body's ability to translate its decisions into practical measures that ensure the development of competition standards and enhance the credibility of officiating, while providing the necessary organizational conditions to host the largest African football events.