Tanzanian football is set to enter a new era of technological transformation after the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) announced plans to introduce an alternative video assistance system for referees starting from the 2026/27 Premier League season.
Instead of the widely known Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, which is often considered expensive to operate, TFF is preparing to implement Video Support (VS) technology. The system has been approved by FIFA for competitions and leagues with developing resources, aiming to reduce refereeing errors without placing heavy financial burdens on clubs and football associations.
The "Challenge" System: Coaches Given the Power to Request Reviews
The main difference between Video Support and traditional VAR is that, while VAR involves officials in a dedicated room automatically reviewing incidents, the VS system operates through a challenge format similar to those used in tennis and basketball, including the NBA.
TFF President Wallace Karia explained that head coaches of participating teams will have the authority to activate the system. Each coach will be allowed to request four video reviews (challenges) per match.
When a controversial incident occurs, the coach can request a review, after which the referee will go to the pitchside monitor to personally examine the replay. If the referee changes the original decision after reviewing the footage, the team will retain its challenge. However, if the decision remains unchanged, the team will lose one of its four available challenges.
Why Video Support Instead of VAR?
The main reasons behind TFF’s decision to choose Video Support are lower operating costs and simpler infrastructure requirements:
Lower costs and fewer cameras: The VS system requires only four to five cameras to operate effectively, compared to VAR, which may require between 12 and more than 30 cameras.
No dedicated video rooms: The system does not require additional video match officials (VMOs) working from specialized television rooms, reducing match operation expenses.
Easier installation at regional stadiums: Due to its simplicity, the technology can be installed more easily at stadiums outside major cities using broadcast feeds provided by the league’s television production partners.
Initial Stadiums and Preparations
The process of obtaining official approval from FIFA is ongoing, while major stadiums in Tanzania have been prioritized for initial infrastructure testing.
Venues such as Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, KMC Stadium (Mwenge), and Azam Complex (Chamazi) are expected to be among the first to adopt the system due to their existing television broadcasting camera infrastructure.
The introduction of this technology is being viewed by many football stakeholders in Tanzania as a potential solution to recurring refereeing controversies and a step toward raising the profile of the Tanzanian Premier League domestically, regionally, and internationally.
