While VAR has become standard across global football, its use in Africa remains passionately debated. As AFCON 2025 approaches, fans, pundits and former players are split on whether VAR improves the tournament, still has blunders or disrupts it entirely.
Many fans believe VAR brings fairness to a competition that has suffered from refereeing inconsistencies. Slow motion replays allow officials to correct clear mistakes, protect players from dangerous challenges and ensure goals are awarded correctly.
CAF has invested heavily in improving VAR infrastructure, and several recent qualifiers showed cleaner match control as a result. Supporters argue that removing VAR now would be a major step backwards.
Critics argue that VAR disrupts the natural rhythm and emotional spirit of African football. Long pauses, unclear communication and delayed decisions break momentum and frustrate fans inside stadiums. Some believe that VAR removes the human element that gives AFCON its unpredictability and passion.
There is also concern that African officials do not receive enough consistent support and training to operate VAR at the highest level.
The debate will continue right until the tournament kicks off. But one thing is certain: VAR will influence big moments, and its presence will remain one of the hottest topics of AFCON 2025.
For now, though, the outlook is positive. And for a tournament defined by rhythm, identity and narrative, these three returns add further depth to an already compelling landscape. With that in mind make sure you’re part of the conversation at JoinStriver.com
