News

The absence of VAR: An embarrassment to CAF in Rivers United’s Confederation Cup fall to USM Alger

The CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final showdown between Rivers United and USM Alger, saw the absence of Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Soccernet.ng reports.

While VAR has become a standard feature in top-tier football competitions worldwide, its absence in such a crucial match raised serious concerns about fairness in African football.

The use of VAR in football serves to review and correct decisions made by on-field referees, ensuring greater accuracy and fairness in officiating matches.

However, the absence of this crucial tool in the Rivers United versus USM Alger clash left many questioning the credibility of the competition and the competence of CAF.

The match, which saw USM Alger emerge victorious, was marred by accusations of cheating and foul play.

Without the oversight and assistance of VAR, there were allegations of questionable decisions that favoured the home team, raising suspicions of unfair tactics employed to manipulate the outcome.

The lack of VAR undermines the integrity of the game of football ans also reflects poorly on CAF’s commitment to maintaining high standards of officiating in its competitions.

The decision to proceed with the match without VAR despite its proven benefits and widespread use in modern football was met with widespread criticism and condemnation.

Many voiced their outrage at the apparent disregard for fairness and transparency, calling for accountability and reform within CAF.

The absence of VAR in such a significant match affects the outcome of the game and also erodes trust and confidence in the integrity of African football competitions.

While Rivers United faces the disappointment of their CAF Confederation Cup exit, questions linger about the need for greater oversight and regulation to ensure that future matches are officiated fairly and transparently.

N.B: What are your thoughts on the absence of VAR in the match between Rivers United and USM Alger? Leave your comments below.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories. Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work. With a Bachelor's degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master's Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.

View Comments

  • if is is true that var was used in the first leg and not used for 2nd leg then USM Alger shus be afraid now . rivers shud go to fifa to get justice and seek for a replay .with var and nuteral to
    the two goals

  • CAF is known for their unprofessional and inconsistent in applying the fairly to every team more especially to favour the north Africans, shame on CAF, UEFA can NEVER do that, the way thing is going northern Africans will monopolize the CAF competitions due to inept and bias standard of CAF. Once again Shame on CAF

  • It is not a surprise.caf club competition department is dominated by Arabs.Recall How enyimba was shortchanged some years ago and unfairly thrown out of a competition the won the first leg by 2 goals to nothing. Their arab opponent changed venue while enyimba traveled to the original venue and could not get visa to the new venue.Until NFF shows serious interest on how Nigeria representatives in caf club competitions are treated,this nonsense will not stop.How can the fix the match time so late into the night ? why?

  • North African countries are a fraudulent set of humans when it comes to soccer stuff. You change venue with no prior information to the opposing team. CAF has been dubious especially when it concerns Nigeria. They hate and dislike our country Nigeria. God of Nature will disgrace them.
    Reasons the rest of Africans hate Nigeria
    - Nigeria is a God-chosen country.
    -Nigeria has resources no African country has.
    -Nigeria is blessed with human capital, and talents too plenty.
    Reasons they are getting away with this hatred
    - Bad government system
    -Satanic wicked political class
    -Unpatriotic nature from the north and west as a result of nepotism and regional marginalization.

  • ordinarily u can't compare a Nigerian to someone from the north African ..
    Sudanese
    /Nigeria,
    Moroccan /Nigeria

    , Egyptian Nigerian
    Libyan/Nigerian
    Algerian/Nigerian
    Tunisian/Nigerian
    compare and contrast

Share
Published by
Ayomide Oguntimehin

Recent Posts

Africa’s Best Player award: Super Eagles star misses out as Lookman joins South Africa GK on final shortlist

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the final shortlist for the 2024 Africa… Read More

18 minutes ago

Boniface, Iheanacho flop again, Chukwueze shines – Five takeaways from Nigeria’s loss to Rwanda

The Super Eagles of Nigeria took on the Wasps of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio… Read More

13 hours ago

Nigeria 1-2 Rwanda: Milan star Chukwueze on target as Wasps secure first-ever win over sloppy Super Eagles

Nigeria fell to a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Rwanda in their final game of the… Read More

14 hours ago

Live commentary: Nigeria vs Rwanda – AFCON 2025 qualifiers

Welcome to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, where the Super Eagles of Nigeria… Read More

15 hours ago

Confirmed: Nigeria’s starting XI vs Rwanda – Osimhen, Ndidi, Iwobi, Bassey benched

Head coach Augustine Eguavoen has released the starting roster for Nigeria's final Africa Cup of… Read More

16 hours ago