Jose Mourinho, the renowned football manager, has been vocal about his admiration for the way the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) uses the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, contrasting it with the often contentious application of VAR in European football.
His comments, which have sparked discussions across the football world, highlight not only the differences in the use of technology on both continents but also the controversies surrounding VAR’s implementation in Europe.
Fairness in VAR Usage
He said, “I have watched AFCON more than European football. They are simply teaching us to be honest. In AFCON, VAR is used exactly the way it should be used. They do not use it to help the money magnet teams or famous teams. This is why you saw the best out of every team because they know VAR is not hired behind the scenes but is for everyone.
“They listen even to their players if the referee missed something and go check. In Europe, if I, as a coach or a player, plead with a referee to go check something, it is a red card for doing that. The headquarters for VAR needs to be in CAF.”
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The comment reflects Mourinho’s strong stance on the impartiality of VAR in AFCON, where he believes the technology is applied more fairly compared to its European counterpart.
He called for the headquarters of VAR to be moved to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), suggesting that the African approach could be the model for Europe.
The European VAR Controversy
VAR was introduced into European football to reduce human errors and enhance the fairness of officiating, but its implementation has been controversial.
The technology, designed to assist referees in making better decisions, has been widely criticised for inconsistent usage. In some high-profile European matches, the application of VAR has been perceived as inconsistent or biased towards high-profile teams.
There have been instances where VAR decisions have overshadowed the game, leading to frustrations from players, coaches, and fans alike.
For example, major leagues like the English Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A have experienced backlash over the interpretation of VAR rules, with complaints about its influence on key matches.
Critics argue that VAR has often favoured top teams, leading to accusations of unfairness. Mourinho’s statement echoes these sentiments, where he suggests that money and fame influence the use of VAR in Europe, which contrasts sharply with what he sees as a more impartial approach in AFCON.
AFCON’s Approach to VAR
In stark contrast to the controversies in European football, the use of VAR at AFCON has been largely praised. The technology has been used to ensure fairness, with referees consulting VAR more openly and involving players in the decision-making process when necessary.
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This transparency, Mourinho claims, is why AFCON matches often showcase the best in every team, as players and officials work together to make accurate decisions.
Furthermore, Mourinho points out that in Europe, any attempt by a coach or player to influence a referee’s decision could result in a red card, adding another layer of restriction to the VAR process.
He contrasts this with the AFCON model, where referees are more willing to review decisions and listen to players when mistakes are pointed out.
Mourinho’s comments invite a reevaluation of how VAR should be used globally. While VAR has been a revolutionary addition to football, its execution in Europe has sparked debates about fairness, transparency, and the integrity of the game.
Sunday Michael Ogwu is a Nigerian journalist and editor of Pinnacle Daily. He is known for his work in business and economic reporting. He has held editorial roles in prominent Nigerian media outlets, where he has focused on economic policy, financial markets, and developmental issues affecting Nigeria and Africa more broadly.
