UEFA have confirmed that VAR will be used in the next batch of World Cup qualifying matches, including Malta’s matches against Cyprus, Slovenia and Russia. This will be the first time that VAR will be used in Malta as it is still not allowed in the domestic leagues and tournaments.
The decision to install VAR at the World Cup qualifying matches was supposed to happen earlier, but due to Covid-19 issues they delayed it to the matches in September. MFA president Bjorn Vassallo told the Times of Malta newsroom that the technology and resources to install VAR at the National stadium will be covered by UEFA. Bjorn also confirmed that VAR will not be used in domestic competitions as they still do not have the necessary resources and technology for it but he did confirm that Maltese referees are being trained by FIFA and UEFA how to operate the VAR software.
This is a huge step in the future of Maltese football. Hopefully more and more local referees will learn how to operate VAR!
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