PSSI General Chair, Erick Thohir , confirmed that Liga 1 2023/2024 is ready to use Video Assistant Referee (VAR). The plan is that the use of VAR will begin in the middle of the season.
Erick Thohir realizes that using VAR in elite Indonesian football competitions will not be easy. That is what makes PSSI will use Liga 1 2023/2024 as a trial stage before actually using it thoroughly.
“This is what I also agreed with the league. I want to implement the VAR system, but there needs to be training. It is impossible to use VAR straight away at the start of the season,” said Erick Thohir.
“At least we’ll try it first. We can’t do something perfectly. Let’s just say that this year is a trial, then next year we will be more optimal,” stressed Erick Thohir .
The use of VAR in Indonesian football competitions will make the referee’s job easier in making decisions. Understandably, the national football atmosphere is very sensitive and often invites controversy.
Presentation Ready
Erick Thohir admitted that he would listen to a presentation about VAR this week. That way, later his party will be able to solidify plans for testing VAR in the middle of the 2023/2024 League 1 season .
“This week, if I don’t miss, I will receive the VAR presentation that I am currently waiting for,” said Erick Thohir.
“We encourage if possible VAR to be implemented this season, but in the next period after December 2023 because it requires training and negotiations. There is money too,” stressed Erick Thohir.
League Schedule
Erick Thohir also confirmed the official schedule for Liga 1 2023/2024. According to Erick, his party is still waiting for a letter from PT Liga Indonesia Baru (LIB) as the competition operator.
Erick hopes that the competition schedule can be arranged neatly. This means that there is no schedule that conflicts with the agenda of the Indonesian National Team.
“Monday the league plans to send us a written letter. Then we will have a meeting with Exco where one of them will definitely start July 1 and end in May 2024. However, when there is a schedule for the Indonesian National Team in the Asia Games and also the Asian Cup it stops and we already have commitment,” said Erick Thohir.