VAR: Ghanaian Law Professor tells FIFA that unregulated discretion kills competition

Dean of the Law School at the University of Professional StudiesAccra (UPSA), Professor Ernest Kofi Abotsi has told the world football governing body, FIFA that clearness requires that FIFA puts out and republishes the full circumstances under which a referee is compelled to talk with the Video Assistant Referee’ (VAR).

Professor Abotsi suggested that unregulated discretion kills competition everywhere.

“Simple rules on transparency require that FIFA publishes & republishes the full circumstances under which a referee is compelled to consult the VAR! Unregulated discretion kills competition everywhere,” he tweeted.

Simple rules on transparency require that FIFA publishes & republishes the full circumstances under which a referee is compelled to consult the VAR! Unregulated discretion kills competition everywhere

— Prof. E. Kofi Abotsi (@ProfAbotsi) November 26, 2022

This comes after Portugal was rewarded a contentious penalty against Ghana in the thrilling Group H clash in Doha, Qatar in the ongoing World Cup tournament.

Professor E. Kofi Abotsi

Many Ghanaians comprising the head coach of the Black Stars Otto Addo were unhappy with the contentious judgment to give a penalty to Portugal on Thursday, November 24.

Moroccan-born American referee Ismail Elfath ruled in the 63rd minute that Mohammed Salisu fouled Ronaldo in the box, despite television replays showing otherwise.

Despite strong requests from Ghana players, the referee refused to consult the VAR monitor.

“The referee awarded a penalty that was not a penalty, everyone saw it. “I asked if I could speak to the ref and was told he’s in a meeting and it’s not possible,” Otto Addo said.

Ronaldo’s goal put Portugal ahead, but Ghana’s fighting spirit paid off when Andre Ayew equalised.

While Ghanaians were still celebrating, Portugal scored through Joao Felix, and it soon became 3-1 for the Europeans.

Substitute Osman Bukari gave Ghana hope with a close-range header, setting up a tense finish at Stadium 974.

In the end, Portugal ended the match as victors despite the scares Ghana gave them in the last minutes of the match.

Source: 3news.com