Former Chelsea and Roma coach, Jose Mourinho, has praised the officiating standards at the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON), expressing a preference for the tournament over European football.
Mourinho commended AFCON’s use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR), emphasising the honesty in decision-making and advocating for Europe to emulate the same approach.
The Portuguese tactician noted that AFCON’s VAR decisions are unbiased, avoiding favoritism towards wealthy or renowned teams.
Mourinho went further to suggest that the headquarters of VAR should be situated in Africa, highlighting the tournament’s commitment to fairness.
According to CFC News report, Mourinho stated, “I have watched AFCON more than European football. They are simply teaching us to be honest. In AFCON VAR is used exactly the way it should be used.
“They do not use it to help the money magnet teams or famous teams. This is why you saw the best out of every team . Because they know VAR is not hired behind the scenes but is for everyone. They listen even to their Players if the Ref missed something and go check.
“In Europe if I as a coach or a player plead with a ref to go check something, it is a red card for doing that. The headquarters for VAR needs to be in CAF,” he added.
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Parallel Facts reports that the African Cup of Nations will climax today with the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the hosts, Cote D’Ivoire, locking horns in the final.