GRUP MEDIAPRO VAR Reaches the 1,000-Match Milestone in Professional Football in Colombia

The VAR technology, the refereeing support system for the on-pitch officials has recently reached the 1000-match milestone in Colombia since its launch in the country in 2019. Video Assistant Referee technology is operated by Mediapro Colombia with systems certified by FIFA and IFAB.

In Colombia, GRUP MEDIAPRO also manages the VOR (Video Operator Room) vehicles which are equipped with technology which provides the VAR services for professional matches played in the country. To be able to operate the systems, Mediapro Colombia starts the set-up process six hours before each game laying cable, connecting up the cameras, carrying out software checks as well as managing the communication with the match-day referees. In addition, a team of trained staff is responsible for the optimal running of the system for each game. The inside of the VOR vehicles are also equipped with a camera and microphone across the 90 minutes of a game to comply with IFAB rules.

VAR has been operational in Colombia since 2019. Its first match was the first leg of the cup final between Junior and América at the Metropolitano Stadium in Barranquilla. Three and a half years later, on August 20th, with the match between Deportivo Pasto and Boyacá Chicó, in La Libertad region of the country, Colombian football reached the 1,000 match milestone with VAR technology.

Mediapro Colombia over the last three years of VAR implementation has carried out a series of referee training days to help the officials manage the system in the country. The training process in based on established FIFA and IFAB protocols.