The Football Federation
of Macedonia has begun the final phase in the implementation of the system for
video assistant referee technology (VAR), through a detailed communication strategy
aimed at the media and the public.
Within this phase,
Today, at the premises of the Football Federation of Macedonia, a
educational and informative presentation, in order to create a clear, precise and
An objective picture of the function and significance of the application of VAR in Macedonian football.
Key objectives of this
communication phase are:
– Informing about
activities related to the implementation of VAR, referee training and
technical logistics.
– Media education
and the public about the basic principles and philosophy of VAR – what is VAR, when and how
is used and what are its limitations.
– Improvement of
media reporting, in order to reduce the spread of inaccurate or confusing information
information and introduce standardized terminology in reporting.
– Building trust and
transparency, through open communication and clear representation of roles and
the processes related to VAR.
Based on the previous
shared a survey questionnaire to several media and sports editorial offices, and having
Considering the results of the survey, it was inevitable to hold such a
event, with the sole purpose of "speaking the same VAR language".
The presentation also offered
practical explanations of how VAR works in real-life competitions
conditions, i.e. when and how it is included, who communicates with whom and which
criteria used to decide whether there will be a VAR check or a VAR review
on the video. It was unequivocally emphasized that VAR technology, i.e. VAR
the referee does not replace the main referee's decision, but serves as support,
that is, advice in certain situations of exceptional importance for the course of
the competition, under one basic condition, which is that there must be a clear and obvious mistake
in only four permitted types of decisions in which VAR intervention is permitted
(goals, penalties, direct red cards and mistaken identity of a player).
Additionally, the media
were introduced to the technical prerequisites for the functioning of the system, such as
are the VAR room, the area for reviewing footage, the communication, security and
the logistical protocols that are necessary for accurate application. Through visualizations and
examples, the role of the VAR referee, his assistant (AVAR), was demonstrated,
as well as for technical operators for replaying a recording.
VAR technology in
Macedonian football will be back with the start of the new competition season
applied in matches from the First Macedonian Football League, in the Cup of
Macedonia from the quarter-final matches to the final match, in the final of
the women's cup, as well as the qualifying (play-off) matches.
All matches in which
VAR technology will be applied and will be played only and exclusively on
FIFA-certified stadiums, and these matches can be refereed exclusively
judges who will successfully complete training and certification in the upcoming period
implemented by FIFA. The entire process of implementation, education and
The certification of referees is the responsibility of the FIFA VAR instructor appointed by
FIFA, of course, in close professional and logistical coordination with the FFM.
With this communication
phase, the FFM not only brings the VAR system closer to the public, but also sends it
the message that he believes in the uniform application of the Laws of the Game,
fair play and technological progress. VAR does not guarantee 100% accuracy, which is not its
goal, but reduces the likelihood of clear and obvious refereeing errors that can
to influence the course of the matches.
FFM will continue with
educational sessions, public information materials and transparent communication with
the media in all future steps of the development of VAR in Macedonian football and
remains fully open to communication with the media and the public and will continue
with a proactive approach to information, in the spirit of professionalism, accountability
and transparency,
I will
We agree, there is a difference!
