Gary Neville Impressed With AFCON's Use of VAR, Insists Europe and the EPL Has a Lot to Learn

Gary Neville Impressed With AFCON's Use of VAR, Insists Europe and the EPL Has a Lot to Learn

Lukman Mumuni
updated at February 13, 2024 at 11:54 AM
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CAF AFCON
Africa
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  • Manchester United legend Gary Neville has reacted to VAR use at AFCON
  • Referees at the tournament in Ivey Coast have been spot on with VAR
  • Nigeria will face Ivory Coast in the final of the competition on Sunday

Former Manchester United defender, Gary Neville has applauded referees at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

The England legend has been left impressed by the use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) by officials of the tournament, with AFCON yet to record a controversy from the use of the technology.

The use of VAR in Europe and especially in the English Premier League has come under a lot of scrutiny following mistakes by officials.

AFCON, VAR, Gary Neville, Nigeria, South AFrica
Gary Neville praises use of VAR at AFCON 2023 by African referees. Credit: @premierleague @trollfootball
Source: Twitter

The underwhelming use of the technology has also generated talks over its relevance due to the growing criticism from players and coaches.

However, according to Neville, its near-perfect use at AFCON means Europe has a lot to learn from Africa.

"The standards of officiating set by this year's AFCON are honestly staggering. It's like they invented it. The premier league and all of Europe have a lot of learning to do," he said.

On Wednesday, VAR played a huge role in the game between Nigeria and South Africa, as a reversed decision saw the Super Eagles lose their two-goal advantage as the Bafana Bafana levelled the scores.

Nigeria went on to win the game on penalties and will face host Ivory Coast in the final on Sunday.

In the third and fourth place game, South Africa will face the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday, as reported by the BBC.

Oshoala urges Man United to sign Nwabali

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala wants Manchester United to sign Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali following his AFCON heroics as the Super Eagles reach the final of the competition.

The South Africa-based goalkeeper made two saves as Nigeria defeated South Africa on penalties to keep their dreams of winning a fourth AFCON alive.

Following his splendid display, ex-Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand took to social media to show his support for the Super Eagles.

Authors
Lukman Mumuni photo
Lukman Mumuni
Lukman Abdul Mumin is a Sports Journalist based in Accra, Ghana. He has been writing for the past five years. Lukman joined Sports Brief as an Editor for the Local Desk in 2022.