Sat Nov 09 07:24:03 UTC 2024: ## ISL Champions Chennai FC Demand VAR Implementation: “We Need It For Accuracy”
**Chennai, India:** With the 1000th ISL match set to be played between Chennai FC and Mumbai City FC on Saturday at Marina Arena, both teams are looking for a win to propel them up the 2024-25 ISL table. Chennai FC, who remain undefeated in their last 11 matches, are particularly keen on pushing for the introduction of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) in the league.
Ahead of the crucial match, Chennai FC Head Coach Owen Coyle spoke about the evolution of the ISL over the past decade, highlighting the need for VAR to improve refereeing standards.
“We need VAR,” said Coyle, “Firstly, to assist the referees and secondly, to get things right in terms of key match incidents. There are always little mistakes at times, eventually it happens. Sometimes you get it, sometimes you don’t. But big incidents, penalties, offsides, goals, you know – we need to get it right.”
Coyle’s push for VAR comes after a series of controversial refereeing decisions this season, including a disallowed goal for Chennai FC against Punjab FC and a disputed penalty awarded to Jamshedpur FC in their recent clash.
The introduction of VAR is a topic that has been debated among ISL coaches, journalists, and fans for some time, with calls for its implementation growing in recent seasons. The need for better officiating became even more apparent after a crucial penalty was awarded to Hyderabad FC against Kerala Blasters, despite the ball hitting a Kerala defender’s stomach.
The ISL match on Saturday promises to be a historic clash, with both teams vying for a victory. However, the focus might shift towards VAR implementation as the debate over refereeing standards continues to dominate discussions in Indian football.
First Piper 