The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering introducing Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology from the group stage of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup beginning with the 2026/27 season.
Intensive discussions are currently underway within the continent’s football governing body regarding the expansion of VAR coverage beyond the knockout stages.
VAR is currently used in CAF’s premier club competitions from the quarter-final stage through to the final. However, CAF is now working towards having the technology available from the group stage, which is expected to begin in November 2026.
The official revealed that CAF’s Referees Committee and VAR technology department began studying the possibility of introducing VAR at the group stage approximately three years ago.
Significant progress has reportedly been made in recent months, with CAF accelerating efforts to make the project a reality this season.
Although no official decision has yet been announced, the source said there are serious steps towards implementing the expanded VAR system when the group stages of the Champions League and Confederation Cup get underway in November.
If approved, the move would represent a significant expansion of VAR usage in African club football and could provide greater support for match officials in crucial decisions throughout the group-stage matches.
CAF is expected to make a formal announcement once the technical, logistical and operational requirements for implementing VAR across the group-stage fixtures have been finalised.
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