FVS can raise standards, integrity must come first
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Mainland Premier League deserves credit for adopting Football Video Support (FVS), a move that could improve officiating standards and reduce human error.
In a league where controversial refereeing decisions have often triggered strong reactions from clubs, players and supporters, the introduction of video support is timely.
FVS provides a practical alternative to the expensive infrastructure associated with full Video Assistant Referee (VAR) systems. Instead of continuous monitoring, coaches can request video analysis of specific incidents during a match.
The system is compact, easy to deploy and requires minimal stadium connectivity, making it suitable for professional football without the high costs of a full VAR setup. The opening round provided an early indication of its potential.
In Simba’s 2–0 victory over Kagera Sugar, David Kameta was shown a red card for a dangerous foul on David Luhende. Simba were also reduced to 10 men when Ibrahim Jabaar was sent off for elbowing Pamba Jiji’s Abdulkarim Iddi.
Such incidents demonstrate the value of having video evidence available when decisions can significantly affect a match.
FVS was also central to Young Africans’ 3–1 victory over Namungo. Yanga forward Peter Shalulile appeared to have scored, but the goal was overturned after the referee, assisted by FVS, determined that the striker was offside.
At the other end, Namungo’s goal by Herbet Lukindo was reviewed and confirmed after video evidence showed that he was onside.
The match therefore provided two contrasting examples of how the system can work: overturning an incorrect decision and confirming a correct one. FVS also influenced Azam’s 1–1 draw with Polisi Tanzania.
Azam were awarded a penalty after Henock Molia was judged to have been fouled inside the box. Polisi Tanzania later received a penalty after Azam’s Taiwo Abdulrafiu was adjudged to have fouled Baraka Mwambule.
These incidents suggest that FVS can make a meaningful contribution to better decision-making.
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However, technology alone will not guarantee fairness. There must be integrity in its use. Because FVS allows coaches to initiate reviews, there is a risk that some could seek to exploit the system for personal or tactical advantage.
Clear rules are therefore essential on when reviews can be requested, how they are conducted and how decisions are communicated.
Officials must also be properly trained and protected from pressure, while clubs must accept that the purpose of FVS is to establish the correct decision, not to gain an unfair advantage.
The Mainland Premier League has taken a commendable step. Its success, however, will depend on professionalism, transparency and impartiality. If these principles are upheld, FVS can help reduce human error, strengthen confidence in refereeing and raise the overall standard of the competition.
