Sports
EPL Faces VAR Uproar, Managers Push For Reforms
The introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the 2019/20 season was with the objective of eliminating blatant refereeing errors by identifying and correcting significant missed incidents during a football match.
While it was expected to result in more accurate and fair judgements, the English Premier League (EPL) has conceded that achieving 100% accuracy was unfeasible.
Nevertheless, the technology has faced severe scrutiny from Premier League managers who have grown sceptical of its effectiveness, primarily due to recent high-profile incidents that have taken the spotlight away from the actual game-play.
For instance, following his team’s 1-0 defeat last weekend, Arsenal Manager, Mikel Arteta vehemently criticized the decision to allow Newcastle’s goal to stand, denouncing it as a “disgrace.”
Anthony Gordon’s second-half goal underwent scrutiny for three different VAR offenses but managed to withstand all challenges, securing three points for Newcastle.
Arteta told Sky Sports “We didn’t deserve to lose the match. We lost the match because of the clear and obvious decisions. It’s embarrassing. A disgrace.”
Although Mikel Arteta’s remarks were delivered in the heat of the moment, the club issued a strong statement the following day, firmly backing their manager.
Arsenal said “Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening.”
The heated aftermath of the game at St James’ Park mirrored a previous VAR controversy in the high-stakes match between Tottenham and Liverpool in late September.
In that game, officials incorrectly disallowed a goal from Luis Diaz due to a miscommunication regarding the on-field decision, and Tottenham eventually emerged victorious with a 2-1 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) released the audio of the decision that led to the disallowed Diaz goal.
In the recording, video assistant referee Darren England initially deems the check as “perfect” but expresses frustration with a swear word when he realizes a mistake has occurred. He adds in exasperation, “They’ve restarted the game. Can’t do anything, can’t do anything.”
PGMOL admitted a “significant human error” and Liverpool issued a statement in which they said “sporting integrity” had been undermined.
“We fully accept the pressures that match officials work under but these pressures are supposed to be alleviated, not exacerbated, by the existence and implementation of VAR,” the club said.
Liverpool Manager, Jurgen Klopp even went as far as to request a replay of the game. Wolves, on the other hand, have had more significant reasons to be aggrieved, as they had faced four high-profile penalty decisions that went against them, which could have had significant implications.
Arteta remained resolute in his stance ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League match against Sevilla this week, emphasizing that it was the responsibility of managers to address the concerns related to the use of VAR.
He said “Errors are part of evolution. The trajectory is never going to be (always upwards), there are always going to be bumps in the road and these things are necessary to improve the game in the right way.
“But we have to talk loudly. If you have a problem and you put it in your drawer, the problem is in the drawer and it’s going to stink at some point.”
Chief Executive, League Managers Association, Richard Bevan, stated that coaches are eager for changes, such as the video assistant referee working consistently with the same referee each week.
Bevan told Daily Mail “PGMOL have confirmed to us that they are actively looking at how best to incorporate VARs into match-day refereeing teams, to ensure the dynamic between on-field referee and VAR is conducive to producing positive outcomes.
“The managers are also calling for a review (and simplification) of the interpretation of the term ‘clear and obvious’ in VAR decision-making, as this is a cause of much confusion at present.”
Henry Winter, The Times’ chief football writer, called on the Premier League to heed the voices of the club managers.
He said “Anyone who attends a game or watches on television knows that VAR has never been more contentious. Some grown-up debate is required. The starting point is that, love it or loathe it, VAR is here to stay.”
African club football is set for a financial shake-up as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announces a substantial increase in prize money for its top club competitions this season.
According to a CAF statement released on Monday, winners of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League will now take home $6 million (≈€5.18 million), up from $4 million last season. Meanwhile, the CAF Confederation Cup champions — Africa’s second-tier club competition — will earn $4 million, marking a 50% increase from last year.
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Prize money for runners-up remains unchanged, with Champions League finalists receiving $2 million and Confederation Cup finalists $1 million.
The move has been welcomed by clubs, which have long complained that competing in African competitions often results in financial losses.
High travel costs, particularly airfares, have been a major challenge, with many clubs forced to take longer, costlier routes through Europe or the Middle East due to limited direct flights between African countries.
Since Patrice Motsepe, the South African businessman and CAF president, took office in 2021, prize money for African club competitions has steadily increased.
Motsepe, now in his second four-year term, has been championing financial sustainability and growth for African club football.
CAF’s quarter-final first-leg matches kick off this weekend, starting in Pretoria, South Africa, where Mamelodi Sundowns host Stade Malien of Mali in the Champions League.
Football fans across the continent are eagerly anticipating a weekend full of high-stakes action.
Former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has insisted that the £2.35 billion from his 2022 sale of the football club remains his personal property, amid mounting pressure from the UK government to release the funds for Ukrainian humanitarian aid.
Lawyers representing Abramovich told UK authorities that the money, currently frozen in a bank account under his company Fordstam Ltd, is legally his, despite earlier statements promising to donate the proceeds to victims of the war in Ukraine.
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“The funds — although currently frozen — remain the property of Fordstam Limited, which is wholly owned by Mr Abramovich,” the legal team said.
They added that the billionaire remains committed to charity but stressed that any donation is voluntary.
The standoff has been fueled by sanctions imposed on Abramovich following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which forced the sale of Chelsea.
While Abramovich initially pledged all net proceeds for the benefit of war victims, disagreements emerged over who should ultimately receive the funds.
The UK government insists the money must be directed to humanitarian aid in Ukraine, while Abramovich wants the donation to cover all victims, including Russians affected by the conflict.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper responded firmly to the dispute, stating, “This money was promised to Ukraine over three years ago. It is time Roman Abramovich does the right thing, but if he won’t we will act. That’s why the licence has been issued. It is time this money was used to rebuild the lives of people who’ve seen devastation as a result of Putin’s illegal war.”
Further complicating matters, Fordstam’s accounts reveal that £1.4 billion of the total proceeds is tied to loans Abramovich extended to Chelsea during his ownership.
The funds remain under scrutiny due to an ongoing investigation in Jersey into the source of Abramovich’s wealth, which the oligarch is contesting in court.
Abramovich’s legal team also criticized the UK government for relying on public statements rather than addressing the legal complexities surrounding the transfer.
“Mr Abramovich has consistently sought to resolve the complex legal issues preventing the donation from proceeding,” the lawyers said.
Modupe ASUDO
Sahara Group has launched M.A.D with Football 5.0, the latest edition of its flagship internal engagement initiative, reinforcing its commitment to building a connected, inclusive workforce across geographies.
The initiative gives Sahara employees the opportunity to attend live football matches at iconic stadiums including Old Trafford in Manchester and Emirates Stadium in London, using shared experiences to strengthen collaboration and a unified One-Sahara culture.
Speaking on the initiative, Bethel Obioma, Head, Corporate Communications, said the fifth edition of the M.A.D with Football initiative reinforces the energy and infrastructure conglomerate’s commitment to entrenching diversity and inclusion across its locations in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Obioma said that over the past three decades, Sahara Group has consistently prioritized people as a central pillar of its growth journey, recognizing that culture and connection are critical to long term success.
“M.A.D with Football 5.0 aligns strongly with the Sahara Beyond XXX narrative, reflecting the Group’s belief that sustainable success is driven by operational performance, meaningful experiences that inspire, energise, and connect people. Sahara continues to invest deliberately in initiatives that recognize effort, reward commitment, and strengthen organisational culture,” he added.
The 5.0 edition builds on this legacy, reaffirming Sahara Group’s commitment to a people centred culture that goes beyond the workplace and beyond geography. By offering Saharians (the term used to describe Sahara employees) the chance to witness world class football in legendary venues, the initiative celebrates excellence, teamwork, and the spirit of belonging that defines the Sahara ecosystem.
Employees who have participated in previous editions have also shared enthusiastic reflections on internal platforms. Juliet Basemera of Asharami Uganda, described the experience as “a dream come true,” expressing gratitude for the opportunity to be in Manchester. Arnaud Ritz, Sahara Energy Geneva, noted that the trip made it possible to “finally put faces to the names” he previously only knew from emails, and to meet Saharians “from all around the world.”
Oriyomi Adewale, Asharami Energy, Rwanda, called the initiative evidence of Sahara’s commitment to work life balance and employee wellbeing, describing it as “delightful” to be part of a company that invests in employee welfare and memorable moments.
Participation in M.A.D with Football 5.0 is open to Sahara employees in line with internal guidelines, with selected participants earning the opportunity to represent Sahara Group at live matches at Old Trafford and Emirates Stadium, experiencing firsthand the passion, energy, and global community that football embodies.
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