Morocco is the first African Member Association to apply the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for their local competitions following the authorization from the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
The Federation Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) used the technology for the first time in the semifinal of Coupe du Trône (Moroccan version of the FA Cup) between Difaa Jadida and Ittihad Casablanca on last Saturday at Tangier Stadium.
STRIKE: Morocco's Nordin Amrabat. Photo: Michael Dalder/Reuters.
"The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) obtained the authorization of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) on Friday (8 November) to use the VAR technique. By this, Morocco has become the first country in Africa to use VAR in local competitions," the FRMF said in a statement.
The FRMF said the decision is a giant step for African football.
The controversial VAR has been used in international competitions and the English Premier League where players, managers and team staff have spoken out against the effect the system has on the game. Morocco player, Nordin Amrabat shared his opinions on camera following Morocco's game against Spain in 2018.
%%%twitter https://twitter.com/NAmrabat53?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NAmrabat53, making it clear exactly what he thinks of VAR after last night's #ESPMAR match #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/ma0k68JKlU
— Avi Gavai (@Rantaramic)
African News Agency