VAR to be used in M-League from next year

KUALA LUMPUR: The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will be used for all M-League matches from next year.

Malaysian Football League chief executive officer Datuk Stuart Ramalingam said VAR should be ready when the new season kicks off in April.

"We're doing our best to ensure it is set up for every match. We will try to use mobile VAR trucks and take into consideration match scheduling as well."

The mobile VAR trucks are reported to cost around RM9.7 million for four units. RM6.5m is for equipment, trucks and built while the remaining RM3.2m is for yearly operations which include match officials, transportation, upkeep, replacement, connectivity setup in stadiums, drivers and wire riggers

"I can't officially say yes (to all matches) until the certificate is done, but we will get our four trucks ready," said Stuart.

"Since the operation is new to us and it has not been done in Malaysia before, there needs to be an understanding of how to use it."

Stuart added that for matches in Sabah and Sarawak, the VAR components will be dismantled and flown to East Malaysia to be set up there.