Plans for semi-professional club in Wales to have VAR system installed
Plans for semi-professional club in Wales to have VAR system installed
The Football Association of Wales has submitted a planning application to Pembrokeshire Council for the installation of a VAR video operations room at Haverfordwest County FC's home ground
A match official checks a VAR screen
(Image: Getty Images )
A proposal to install VAR (Video Assistant Referee) technology at a Pembrokeshire football stadium used by a semi-professional team has been lodged with planners.
The Football Association of Wales has submitted a planning application to Pembrokeshire Council for the installation of a VAR video operations room and related works at Bridge Meadow Stadium, the home of Haverfordwest County FC. An accompanying statement from agent Wardell Armstrong outlines: "The Football Association Wales has recognised opportunities to strengthen, improve and build the standard of football and the image associated with Wales's top football league."
It further details the Cymru Premier Strategy 2024-2030, which includes plans to enhance the quality of club facilities, branding, and recognition in the Cymru Premier League, as well as bolstering the on-field product over the next six years. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here .
The statement adds: "The implementation of VAR as part of this plan will allow referees to perform at the highest possible level, providing quality decision-making to benefit players, fans and television audiences."
The system, known as VAR, "comprises of a Video Assistant Referee who is a qualified official that watches video footage of the game with access to multiple screens, angles and replays with the purpose of assisting the on-field officials to come to the correct decision," it explains.
Bridge Meadow in Haverfordwest
(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service )
It adds: "VAR is used globally, currently assisting referees in associated football leagues of over 70 countries to minimise the risk of human error and to enable the referee to make the correct decision using video technology.
"From the 2025/2026 season, VAR Light will be implemented in all Cymru Premier matches. VAR Light operates on the same principles as VAR – with a Video Assistant Referee but without a replay operator."
It further elaborates: "Footage from VAR camera installations will be transmitted to a self-contained Video Operations Room, where the VAR will be located.
The match referee will conduct any suggested on-field reviews in a designated Referee Review Area adjacent to the pitch, where a monitor will be installed on match days.
"After reviewing the infrastructure at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium, it has been determined that the existing buildings cannot accommodate the Video Operations Room, necessitating the provision of new additional accommodation."
The application will be reviewed by county planners at a future date.
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