The Football Federation of Macedonia has begun the final phase in the implementation of the video assistant referee (VAR) system, through a detailed communication strategy aimed at the media and the public.

photo by Filip Zdraveski

Within this phase, an educational and informative presentation lead by former referee Dejan Jakimovski was held today at the premises of the Football Federation of Macedonia, in order to create a clear, precise and objective picture of the function and significance of the application of VAR in the Macedonian football. Out web site was present at this presentation.

Key objectives of this communication phase are:

– Informing about activities related to the implementation of VAR, referee training and technical logistics.

– Educating the media and the public about the basic principles and philosophy of VAR – what VAR is, when and how it is used and what its limitations are.

– Improving media reporting, in order to reduce the spread of inaccurate or confusing information and to introduce standardized terminology in reporting.

– Building trust and transparency, through open communication and clear presentation of the roles and processes related to VAR.

Based on a previously shared survey questionnaire to several media and sports editorial offices, and taking into account the results of the survey, it was inevitable to hold such an event, with the sole purpose of “speaking the same VAR language”.

The presentation also offered practical explanations of how VAR works in real competition conditions, i.e. when and how it is involved, who communicates with whom and what criteria are used to decide whether there will be a VAR check or a VAR review of the footage. It was unequivocally emphasized that VAR technology, i.e. the VAR referee, does not replace the main refereeing decision, but serves as support, i.e. advice in certain situations of exceptional importance for the course of the match, under one basic condition, which is that there is a clear and obvious error in only 4 permitted types of decisions in which VAR intervention is allowed (goals, penalties, direct red cards and wrong player identification).

Photo by Filip Zdraveski

Additionally, the media were introduced to the technical prerequisites for the functioning of the system, such as the VAR room, the area for reviewing footage, and the communication, security and logistical protocols necessary for its correct application. Through visualizations and examples, the role of the VAR referee, his assistant (VAR), as well as the technical operators for replaying footage was demonstrated.

VAR technology in Macedonian football, with the start of the new 25/26 season, will be applied in matches from the 1.MFL, in the Macedonian Cup from the quarter-final matches to the final match, in the final of the Women’s Cup, as well as in the promotion play-off matches.

All matches in which VAR technology will be used will be played only and exclusively at FIFA-certified stadiums, and these matches can only be officiated by referees who will successfully complete the training and certification implemented by FIFA in the upcoming period. The entire process of implementation, education and certification of referees is under the responsibility of the FIFA VAR instructor appointed by FIFA, of course in close professional and logistical coordination with the FFM.

With this communication phase, the FFM not only brings the VAR system closer to the public, but also sends the message that it believes in the uniform application of the Laws of the Game, fair play and technological progress. VAR does not guarantee 100% accuracy, which is not its goal, but it reduces the likelihood of clear and obvious refereeing errors that can affect the course of matches.

“The FFM will continue with educational sessions, public information materials and transparent communication with the media in all future steps of the development of VAR in Macedonian football and remains fully open to communication with the media and the public and will continue with a proactive approach to information, in the spirit of professionalism, accountability and transparency. We will agree, there is a difference!” – said the Federation.

VAR in Macedonian football will start from Wednesday’s Macedonian Cup final between Vardar and Struga.