The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system is set to make its historic debut in the SAFF Championship, with the technology scheduled to be used in the semi-finals and final of the ongoing Tecno SAFF Championship 2026 in Dhaka.
The introduction marks a significant milestone for South Asian football, as the regional competition embraces a technology that has become an integral part of modern international football.
The remote VAR system is being introduced through a collaboration between the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) and the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF). It will be operated by Quality, a FIFA-certified technology provider based in Spain, with its central operations hub in Thailand.
Under the remote VAR arrangement, live match footage from the National Stadium in Dhaka will be transmitted to the central operations hub in Thailand. There, certified Video Match Officials will review incidents and assist the on-field referees in accordance with the International Football Association Board (IFAB) VAR Protocol.
Decisions and recommendations from the VAR team will be communicated directly to the match officials in Dhaka.
To ensure smooth operation, a fully equipped Referee Review Area (RRA) and Technical Operations Team Area Monitor (TOTAM) have been installed at the National Stadium. Technical experts from Quality are also working on-site to oversee the infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted transmission during the matches.
SAFF has also confirmed that all referees and assistant referees selected for the semi-finals and final are certified and trained in VAR procedures, ensuring the technology is implemented in line with international standards.
SAFF General Secretary Purushottam Kattel described the initiative as a landmark achievement for football in the region, thanking the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and AFF for their support.
“The introduction of VAR is a groundbreaking moment for South Asian football and an important step towards raising the professional standards of our competitions,” Kattel said.
He added that the technology would improve the accuracy of crucial match decisions while strengthening fairness, transparency and sporting integrity.
“VAR has become an integral part of modern football. We believe this milestone will not only enhance the quality of the Tecno SAFF Championship 2026 but also pave the way for the broader adoption of advanced football technologies across South Asia,” he said.
The introduction of VAR is expected to bring the regional tournament closer to international refereeing standards and represents a major step in SAFF's efforts to modernise football competitions in South Asia.