Premier Soccer League Comes Under Fire, Phillys Games Make Local History by Using Video Assistant Referee

• The Phillys Games made history when the latest edition of the tournament used the Video Assistant Referee system
• The Premier Soccer League has now become the subject of many jokes from users on social media as the Tembisa tournament used the system before them
• The Phillys Games were started in 1992 and have grown in stature over the years, now securing television coverage and VAR

The widely popular Phillys Games continues to wow soccer lovers around Mzansi and the township tournament is now a part of history.

The latest edition of the tournament took place over 13 days from 20 December, 2021 to 3 January, 2022 and made history for its use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), a feat that the Premier Soccer League hasn't managed yet.

Ambassadors won the latest edition of the Phillys Games, beating 18Mambas in the final on penalties.

The Phillys Games were started in Tembisa in 1992 as a way to end the fighting between two political factions in the community, SuperSport reported.

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Football

Since its inception, the tournament has featured some of the best up-and-coming footballers in the under-13, under-15 and under-17 categories as well as the best in local talent as well as current and former Premier Soccer League (PSL) players, Phillys Games confirmed on the website.

PSL draws criticism as Phillys Games beats it to VAR

The introduction of VAR at the latest edition of the Phillys Games has gotten social media buzzing as many fans have found it humorous that the Tembisa-based tournament beat the PSL.

@genaro_xxvii:

"Kasi games have VAR. ahhh man I'm happy"

@CHAKS_BILLIN:

"Tembisa is on some levels, they have a whole VAR system. Motsepe, come on, jooooo..."

Wild scenes in Owerri as Nigeria’s version of VAR comes into play in dramatic NPFL encounter

In other VAR-related news, the Nigerian Professional Football League game between Heartland and Dakkada FC, which was played at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, resulted in dramatic scenes in the latter stages of the encounter, Sports Brief earlier reported.

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Football

It was the very first time the Video Assistant Referee was consulted in major decision in the Nigerian topflight. After the first half had ended goalless, both sides began the second half with more intent as they pressed for the goal.

However, in the 69th minute, Heartland's Charles Emmanuel put the ball into the back of the net for the hosts. The referee was late in his decision in awarding the goal though, angering many fans who witnessed the goal.