Sports
Good, bad, ugly sides of VAR for GPL
A referee conducting a video review with the aid of VAR to overturn or confirm a decision
Ordinarily, the announcement of an intention to introduce the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) into the Ghana Premier League (GPL) should have drawn loud applause from every stakeholder interested in running a truly competitive league planted on the principles of fair play.
At least, it could address some of the concerns expressed by fans over officiating which sometimes causes the abrupt ending of games or the chaotic scenes often recorded at some venues over bad goals scored or conceded.
However, the backlash from fans, a section of the local media and a few administrators on the hint from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Okraku, suggests
clearly that VAR is a “persona non grata, at least for now.”
At the GFA meet-the-press event in the Bono region, one of the questions put to him was on officiating and measures to ensure a fair and competitive league.
In answering that, he announced the consideration of introducing VAR in the not too distant future.
That has since generated heated debate over whether VAR in Ghana, even in the next decade or more would be a realistic dream.
Gladly, listening to the various arguments, there is no suggestion that VAR is not good or cannot be possible in Ghana.
Fact is, VAR would not fully resolve all the challenges associated with the game as it is even seen in the more sophisticated and advanced leagues across the world.
The truth is, sometimes its decisions are overboard, especially those regarding offside calls as movements and positions of the contour human body are judged by straight lines.
However, it minimises the wrong calls regarding tight offside as well as some handball situations where referees award or disallow as penalties only for VAR to intervene.
Interestingly, the basis for the outright rejection of VAR in Ghana has been centred on the state of the country’s infrastructure.
Running an 18-club league means there would be nine action spots on every match day but one needs to ask how many of these venues can accommodate VAR.
Apart from the Accra Sports Stadium, jokingly likened to the famous Wembley Stadium in England, the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi and by extension the Cape Coast and Tamale stadia, none of the other venues qualify to even host Premier League matches if we were to adhere to those high standards.
It is even not an easy assignment for crews that travel to some of these venues to provide live coverage of games.
The struggles encountered in recent times to get the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to sanction venues to host continental matches should be a constant reminder of how the most reliable infrastructures are fast deteriorating.
May be, something should tell the VAR proponents it not for nothing that in England, for example, VAR is allowed only on Premier League grounds and Championship grounds are exempted.
That is not because the Championship grounds are not fit for that purpose. A number of them, if not all, are better than what we have if we are to consider the state of the facilities in there.
That only buttresses the fact that VAR is a whole agency on its own, requiring state-of-the-arts facilities and quality expertise to function.
What also makes the hint sound like an anecdote in the ears of fans is the fact that Ghana as a country has only one qualified VAR referee without an assistant.
This weakens the call to introduce the technology in our game for now.
To the FA President, VAR would surely be a good addition to the league but in doing so, a number of the concerns raised must first and foremost be tackled, otherwise equipment may be sent to venues like Berekum, Dormaa, Bechem, Tamale and others, but may return to Accra in pieces.
By Andrew Nortey
The stage is set for what promises to be one of the most thrilling matches in Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the Black Stars of Ghana lock horns with Croatia in a crucial encounter today.
With a place in the Round of 32 hanging in the balance, both teams know there will be no room for mistakes as 90 minutes of high drama awaits football fans, especially in Ghana and across the globe.
The Black Stars arrive at the Mundial with confidence running through the camp after earning four points from their opening two matches.
A last gasp victory over Panama and a disciplined draw against the Three Lions of England have placed the Black Stars in a strong position heading into the final group game.
Croatia, however, stand in the way after the European giants bounced back from a disappointing defeat to England by edging Panama 1-0, a result that has now placed their sights firmly on qualification.
The result has created a winner takes all atmosphere that is expected to produce fireworks from the first whistle to the last.
For Ghana, the mission is clear, as another positive result will bring the Black Stars closer to the knockout stage and could mark another memorable chapter in the country’s rich football history at the World Cup.
The Black Stars have shown courage, discipline and determination throughout the tournament.
They have defended bravely, battled fiercely and refused to be intimidated by bigger opponents.
Their impressive defensive record has become one of the talking points of the competition among many football fans after their last game against England where some fans and pundits described the performance as frustrating and called the approach as a ‘Haram football.’
After two matches, Ghana remain one of the few teams yet to concede a goal; shot stopper, Benjamin Asare, has been the best so far by keeping Ghana’s post safe.
Asare, along with his backline will face its toughest challenge yet against a Croatian side packed with quality and experience.
At the heart of Croatia’s challenge is veteran midfield maestro, Luka Modric.
Even at 40 years old, the Croatian captain continues to pull the strings with remarkable composure and intelligence.
His battle against Ghana’s midfield of Thomas Partey, youngster Caleb Yirenkyi and Kwasi Sibo could shape the outcome of the contest.
Thomas Partey and his cohorts will carry the responsibility of controlling the midfield battle and breaking up Croatia’s attacks.
In attack, the pace and power of Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Ernest Nuamah and Fatawu Issahaku will prove decisive when given the nod.
Their ability to burst past defenders and create danger on the counter-attack may become one of Ghana’s biggest weapons.
Captain Jordan Ayew is expected to provide leadership and experience in what promises to be a tense and emotional contest.
The tactical battle between the two coaches is equally fascinating.
Ghana coach, Carlos Queiroz, has built a disciplined side that values organisation and teamwork.
His approach has frustrated opponents to earn valuable results.
Croatia coach, Zlatko Dalic, on the other hand, prefers possession based football and attacking movement.
His team will likely dominate the ball and attempt to dictate the tempo from midfield.
The clash of styles promises an exciting contest between patience and aggression, defence and attack, youth and experience.
History suggests Croatia have the advantage over the Black Stars with the Europeans finishing as runners-up at the 2018 World Cup and claimed third place in 2022.
They know what it takes to survive on football’s biggest stage yet Ghana have built a reputation for upsetting the odds when the stakes are highest.
The memories of the Black Stars’ historic run to the quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010 continue to inspire a new generation of players.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
The confidence gained from holding England to a draw could also prove priceless.
Many football fans now believe the Black Stars are capable of going even further in this tournament.
Today’s clash is expected to attract millions of viewers eager to witness a battle between African adventure and determination and European experience.
Every tackle, every pass and every chance could prove decisive.
The atmosphere inside the stadium is expected to be electric as supporters from both nations create a colourful and passionate spectacle.
The high tension, the enormous stakes and the intense pressure. But these are the moments footballers dream about.
For Ghana, this is more than just a football match.
It is an opportunity to announce themselves as serious contenders and keep the nation’s World Cup dream alive.
When the referee blows the whistle today, fans should prepare for a night of drama, excitement and unforgettable moments.
If the opening two matches are anything to go by, this encounter has all the ingredients of a World Cup classic.
Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew says Ghana will leave nothing on the pitch when they face England in today’s World Cup Group L decider at Gillette Stadium.
With both teams on 3 points, Ayew said his job is to ease pressure on the younger players and hold everyone accountable, himself included.
“I’m doing my best to guide the boys, make them comfortable, take pressure off them, and help us perform,” Ayew told reporters. “I have to perform too. They have to perform too. It’s teamwork. We’re helping each other.”
Ghana come into the Foxborough clash after a 1-0 win over Panama in Toronto. England beat Croatia 4-2 in their opener.
The captain’s message was simple, “We’re going to give our 100% and we’re going to fight. I’ll make sure when we come off that pitch, we have no regrets.”
The winner takes control of Group L. Kickoff is 4:00 PM ET at Gillette Stadium.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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