Locals differ on use of technology in football

WINDHOEK, 09 JUL  – Local football stakeholders have offered contrasting views on the use of technology in football.
In an interview with Nampa amid the ongoing 2018 International Federation of Football Associations (Fifa) World Cup, the manager of referees at the Namibia Football Association (NFA), Absalom Goseb said he was still sceptical about the use of technology.
“Football is controlled by the rules of the game, there is also the spirit of the game. The rules and the spirit of the game work hand in hand. Where will the spirit of the game fit in here?”
Goseb added that while communication devices for match officials are very helpful, the recently introduced Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system – where assistant referees review decisions made by the head referee with the use of video footage and a headset for communication – still has a lot of grey areas.
Goseb also raised concern about the affordability of these accessories, saying smaller countries are not able to buy them.
“Look at the current World Cup, people are saying African countries were robbed by VAR. But how do you expect the players to understand this technology when they are using it for the first time? We should all start using any technology at the same time,” he stressed.
National team coach Ricardo Mannetti told Nampa the goal line technology impressed him.
“But as for the VAR, I think it needs refining as it is not decisive because of the laws of the game which have not been adjusted to accommodate it,” he said.
He added that technology also puts the richer nations at an advantage as poor countries cannot afford to buy this technology.
“VAR gives the referee an opportunity to see things a little differently, take themselves off the emotional aspect of the game, view the many angles available to them and make possibly not the right decision, but a better decision,” he stressed.
Mannetti noted that the VAR use at the current World Cup was not consistent.
He also said VAR takes away debates related to some controversial moments during matches.
The coach dismissed the suggestion that players and coaches should be given communication devices, saying as an animated coach himself, he feels it will take away the personal touch from players in decision making.
Mannetti’s views were shared by national team captain, Ronald Ketjijere who said giving players and coaches communication devices will put players under pressure.
“As a player, that means the message will be delayed as the coach will have to stop shouting. It will disrupt my concentration during the match because I have to be constantly listening to the coach,” he said.
He added that VAR should be polished as currently it seems to affect players when play is stopped by the referee while he consults.
Well-travelled and award-winning referee Jackson Pavaza applauded the changes made by technology, especially the officials’ communication devices.
“On VAR it is sometimes not clear. There are incidences where I feel the referees could have followed the VAR, while in others he should not have done so,” he said.
Pavaza said while officiating at the African Nations Championship, they had training from Fifa on the use of the system but he has not used it in match situations.
He also concurred with Goseb, saying the price of technology will mean only those who can afford it will be exposed to it.
NFA secretary-general Barry Rukoro was complimentary about the technology, saying it is a good development in football as referees will have as much assistance as possible when it comes to making decisions.
He however said Namibia is a long way from using the technology and will therefore have to stick to the conventional way of handling matches.
NAMPA