VAR in place for first time in BetMcLean Cup final

"This milestone represents a significant step forward for domestic football, aligning the league more closely with European competition standards. While VAR will not replace the authority or judgment of the on-field referee, it will serve as a technological support mechanism aimed at enhancing decision-making accuracy, fairness, and transparency in key match incidents."

"The fixture will be officiated by Irish FA match officials on the field of play. However, VAR operations for this match will be managed by experienced referees from outside Northern Ireland using the Hawk-Eye system, as used in Fifa and Uefa competitions, ensuring technical proficiency during this introductory phase."

"The introduction of VAR for this game represents an important step forward for our league, strengthening decision-making and supporting our match officials. We recognise, however, that this will not be a universally popular decision and that the implementation of any new technology requires careful consideration."

The Northern Ireland Football League has announced VAR technology will debut in domestic football at the BetMcLean Cup final between Linfield and Glentoran at Windsor Park on March 15. The decision aligns Northern Ireland domestic football with European competition standards. VAR will support on-field referees in enhancing decision-making accuracy and fairness. Irish FA match officials will manage field operations, while experienced referees from outside Northern Ireland will operate the Hawk-Eye system used in FIFA and UEFA competitions. The cup final serves as a controlled environment to evaluate VAR procedures and communication protocols. NIFL chief executive Gerard Lawlor acknowledged the decision may not be universally popular but emphasized the technology's benefits for supporting match officials and strengthening decision-making in the league.

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