FAM will make sure M-League VAR operations comply with FIFA regulations

KUALA LUMPUR: The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is dedicated to making sure that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in the Malaysian League (Liga-M) operates in accordance with the guidelines set forth by FIFA, the body that oversees international football. 

Datuk S. Sivasundaram, FAM Deputy President and Chairman of the FAM Referee Committee, stated that the committee met yesterday and examined the way VAR is currently being used in the Malaysia League (M-League), with a particular emphasis on the Super League competition for the 2024–2025 season.

He claimed that during three weeks of Super League games, the introduction of VAR had gone smoothly and officials had followed Fifa’s set procedures.

“FAM places a high value on referee performance and rigorous adherence to the Laws of the Game 2024/2025 and the Fifa VAR Protocol.

As a result, all decisions and actions are made in accordance with the rules outlined in the Implementation Assistance and Approval Programme (IAAP) and the VAR Protocol.

He made the announcement today. “The FAM Referee Committee has taken various proactive measures to ensure referee performance remains at an optimal level. We will continue to monitor referee performance in the M-League, especially in matches using VAR.”

Five preventative steps were listed in the statement: Pre and Post-Match Analysis, the second batch of VAR Training, the FAM VAR Familiarisation Programme, VAR Match Data Analysis, and VAR Implementation in Sabah.

Sivasundaram discussed VAR Match Data Analysis, stating that during the first week, the FAM Referee Unit has examined the performance of 15 matches utilising VAR, leading to 11 On-Field Reviews (OFR) with an average of 0.73 OFR per game.

He stated, “This figure reflects the current understanding of VAR protocols among M-League referees.”

According to Sivasundaram, FAM has started training for the second batch of VAR referees, with a training period slated to run from August through December.

“Fifteen referees, fifteen assistant referees, and ten replay operators will receive training to become VAR officials,” he stated. 

In reference to the application of VAR in Sabah, Sivasundaram stated that FAM will carry out a training session utilising VAR Goal Sport technology from June 6 to June 10 in order to facilitate its deployment at Kota Kinabalu’s Likas Stadium.

According to Sivasundaram, FAM is steadfastly committed to introducing VAR technology into the M-League and strives for ongoing progress over time. – BERNAMA