PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Football League (MFL) are still not sure if the video assistant referee (VAR) system will be in use for the first time in the country at the Malaysia Cup final in December.
MFL chief executive officer Datuk Stuart Ramalingam said they did not want to rush into implementing it without careful preparation to the extent that it could disrupt the smooth use of the technology involved.
He added the MFL will hold discussions with certain parties, including ensuring that the referees are ready to use VAR when it is implemented.
“The referees have already started training and to confirm the date (use of VAR), we need consideration from several aspects including this issue of technology, the internet network and also training,” he said.
“We have FIFA representatives already with us for internal discussions before implementing VAR.
“MFL will announce the date as to when we will officially implement VAR, but as everyone knows, training for referees and the purchase of equipment has also started.
“VAR also needs a strong and stable internet network at the stadium. All this needs to be in place before the date is announced. Maybe, we can make an announcement in a week or two.’’
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have hinted earlier that it would use the VAR system for the first time in the country at the Malaysia Cup final in December.
FAM president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin said the MFL will implement it as soon as possible to further improve the quality of the sport in this country.
The FAM, together with the MFL and representatives from FIFA are actively training referees to use VAR and purchasing equipment for the use of the technology involved so that it can be used officially later.
