The VAR system was officially launched in Armenia – 2024-04-15 20:27:08

2024-04-15 20:27:08

The Football Federation of Armenia launched the VAR (video assistant) system, the implementation of which started a year ago. The technical support of the project, in particular the connection between all stadiums and the VAR system, is carried out by Team Telecom Armenia. Filming and broadcasting of the games is carried out by the Vivaro Media company.

The video assistance system was officially included in the rules of football in 2018. Thanks to this, the referee has the right to watch the disputed moments of the match through replays, and only then make a decision.

“With the implementation of the VAR system, Armenia joins the leading countries of world football. During this period, extensive work was done in terms of training both technical and coaching staff. I hope the system will help referees to make clearer decisions, will create a fair competition between clubs, leading to the development of Armenian football,” said FFA President Armen Melikbekyan during a tour of the Vazgen Sargsyan Stadium’s VAR system headquarters.

The central VAR system is connected to the region’s unique fiber optic NGN network, which enables it to be used remotely at any stadium.

“For us, this project is both a big responsibility and a big challenge at the same time. With the team’s efforts, we successfully implemented another technology project of the international level,” said Hayk Yesayan, General Director of Team Telecom Armenia.

In order to operate the video assistance system in accordance with international standards, Vivaro Media has been technically re-equipped, and the staff has undergone special training courses.

Artashes Sargsyan, chief producer of the Vivaro Media TV company, noted that this is an exceptional phenomenon not only for the history of Armenian football, but also for the history of Armenian television.

“Vivaro Media is the only television company in Armenia that implemented such a program. This is an example of unprecedented cooperation and an interesting experience in the Armenian media market. Instead of the previous 5, now 8 operators and cameras are working on the field. The work of the film crew has doubled. If before we filmed only for the viewers, now also for the referees.”

VAR allows you to consider four types of controversial moments: a goal scored in violation of the rules, a penalty episode, a wrong red card and identification of penalized players. After the VAR report, the referee can choose one of three options: leave his decision in force, announce a pause to watch the situation on the screen or accept the recommendation of the video assistant, cancel his own decision.