Caf Champions League: VAR fiasco sees Esperance handed win as Wydad Casablanca refuse to return to pitch in protest

A row over the Video Assisted Referee (VAR) system saw the African Champions League final abandoned.

VAR was unavailable to rule over a Wydad Casablanca disallowed equaliser against Esperance.

Play was halted for an hour while Wydad refused to play after they had demanded the referee be used.

VAR had been set up at the side of the pitch but was not working. The players had not been told but the officials were aware of it.

Confederation of African Football (Caf) president Ahmad Ahmad was in discussion with officials for some time to try and get the game restarted.

The referee awarded the victory to Esperance, who retained their title.

The Tunisian side were leading 1-0 in the match, and 2-1 on aggregate, in the final played over two legs.

VAR had been used in the first leg played last week.

VAR has caused some controversy in the global game

Hawk-Eye, the company responsible for providing VAR technology, blamed a baggage handling error by Emirates Airline as partly to blame for the fiasco.

They said: “Hawk-Eye had arranged with a third party for one set of VAR equipment to be shipped from Riyadh to Tunis. The third party was responsible for exporting the equipment and shipping. We were informed on 23rd May that this equipment had been picked up and [they] were provided with a draft AWB and informed that the kit was due to leave Riyadh on Monday 27th.

“On Wednesday 29th May, upon waiting for the equipment to arrive into customs at Tunis, we were told this kit was still in Riyadh and would not arrive into Tunis on 30th May.

“Upon news that the Riyadh shipment would not arrive into Tunis on the 30th May, Hawk-Eye immediately implemented a backup solution which would fly on Emirates flight EK747 and hand delivered to the stadium on the morning of the 31st.

“This solution would have ensured the technology test and approval would take place. Unfortunately, Emirates made a baggage handling error and only 2 of the 3 cases of equipment arrived in Tunis.”

“Hawk-Eye makes every effort to deliver VAR services to Caf flawlessly. We are extremely disappointed that these issues have occurred. We would like to thank Caf for their ongoing support, and apologize unreservedly for this error.”

Rangers kit LEAKED: Pictures of new Hummel strips for 2019/20 season revealed RANGERS might not be celebrating as Scottish Premiership champions at the end of the season.
Rangers 2019/20 kits: Leaked images of Gers' new Hummel

explained The Stamford Bridge outfit finally lodged their appeal, but still face great difficulties doing any business this summer Chelsea have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against their FIFA transfer ban. However, they will still not be able to sign any players this summer.
Chelsea transfer ban: Can Blues sign players this summer

New Premier League kits: Every confirmed and leaked shirt for

West Ham have signed David Martin from Millwall on a free transfer Getty "Signing for West Ham United is a dream, both for me and my family," Martin told the club website. "I've grown up around West Ham and to come to my boyhood club is a dream."
West Ham transfer news: David Martin signs from London rivals

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has dropped Eden Hazard for today's trip to Cardiff (Pic: GETTY) The Blues travel to south Wales sixth in the Premier League and targeting a win as they desperately seek points in the race to finish in the top four. But fans were left bemused when the teams were announced, with Eden Hazard, N'Golo Kante and Callum
'I'm finished with this guy' - These Chelsea fans fume over

Manchester United transfer news: Red Devils 'join race' for £60million-rated Arsenal and Liverpool target Nicolas Pepe Premier League club to express interest in Lille superstar Nicolas
Real Madrid join Manchester United in race to sign £45

Tottenham transfer news: Real Madrid tell Spurs they must

The official club website for Aston Villa Football Club. Dean Smith on Premier League return, his emotions, Jack Grealish and Aston Villa's potential.

Cesc Fabregas took to Twitter to make a joke at former teammate Danny Drinkwater's expense after the Chelsea midfielder was charged with drink driving. The 29-year-old was arrested after crashing

Dwight Gayle scored for West Brom but was then sent off meaning he'll miss the return clash. Tonight's key game, as well as every EFL play-off tie, will be live on talkSPORT and here's how you can tune in. West Brom vs Aston Villa: How to listen. Full commentary from Villa Park will be live on talkSPORT, with our coverage getting underway at 7pm.
Aston Villa vs West Brom: TV channel, live stream, kick-off

David de Gea Quintana (Spanish pronunciation: [daˈβið ðe ˈxea kinˈtana]; born 7 November 1990) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Premier League club Manchester United and the Spain national team.
Man Utd ace David de Gea trolled after Chelsea error with

The ESPN World Fame 100 is our annual attempt to create a ranking, through statistical analysis, of the 100 most famous athletes on the planet. We started with Forbes' annual list of the highest
ESPN's World Fame 100

Pages

Premium Football Live Stream

Labels