TANZANIA Football Federation (TFF) president Wallace Karia has underlined the significance of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) training for local officials, despite the technology not yet being implemented in the Premier League.

Tanzanian referees have participated in numerous training sessions organized by FIFA in collaboration with CAF and TFF. These sessions, especially those focusing on VAR, have introduced new challenges for the country's officiating teams.

Currently, Tanzania lacks the required stadiums and infrastructure to implement VAR technology. However, the rapid development of the Tanzanian Premier League has prompted FIFA to invest in specialized training for local referees, preparing them for higher levels of officiating.

Karia stressed the need for continuous training and performance reviews to elevate the league’s officiating standards. He views VAR training as an investment in the future of Tanzanian football.

“While we’ve faced challenges with refereeing in our league, it’s vital to recognize the critical role our officials play. FIFA has provided valuable VAR training to prepare them for the demands of modern football,” said Karia.

He added: “Though we haven’t implemented VAR yet due to infrastructure limitations, the knowledge our referees have gained ensures we’ll be ready when the time comes. Additionally, when our teams compete in continental tournaments, the world will know Tanzania has VAR-trained officials.”

Karia reaffirmed his commitment to improving refereeing standards and maintaining fair play. He warned that referees who consistently fall short of expectations or make errors favouring specific teams will face strict disciplinary measures.

“I’ve spoken with our referees about the importance of upholding high standards. Any official who fails to meet these expectations will be held accountable,” he emphasized.

Karia celebrated the growing reputation of Tanzanian referees on the international stage. An increasing number of match commissioners, coordinators, referees, and assistant referees are being appointed for CAF and FIFA competitions.

“We’ve transitioned from being mere spectators in CAF games to seeing our officials take charge of major matches. This progress is a testament to our commitment to developing top-tier officials, and we must continue building on this achievement,” he noted.

While the implementation of VAR in Tanzania remains a long-term goal, the foundation laid through ongoing training is positioning the country’s referees to excel domestically and internationally. 

As infrastructure develops, the introduction of VAR will further enhance the league's competitiveness and credibility.

Karia remains optimistic about the future of Tanzanian football and the role of officiating in its growth, emphasizing that the federation’s efforts are geared toward creating a fair, professional, and globally respected football environment.