Former Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and Roma coach Jose Mourinho has praised the African Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system following the conclusion of the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Jose, renowned for his controversial nature and strained relationship with VAR officials in Europe, expressed admiration for how the African tournament utilized VAR effectively for its intended purpose.
Mourinho emphasized that he found himself watching AFCON more than European football, attributing this preference to the honest and accurate application of VAR in African competitions.
In his assessment, the Portuguese manager highlighted the fair use of VAR, stressing that it wasn’t biased towards wealthier or more popular teams. According to Mourinho, the African approach to VAR contributed to bringing out the best performances from every participating team.
The veteran tactician further underscored the inclusivity of the African VAR system, citing that even players have a voice in the process. In contrast, Mourinho criticized the European system, where coaches or players appealing for a VAR review can face penalties.
He advocated for moving the VAR headquarters to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), emphasizing the potential benefits of such a shift in ensuring fairness and transparency in football officiating.