Lagos Liga adopts VAR, clubs battle for N50m

Organisers of the Lagos Liga, a 7-aside non-professional football tournament, have announced that the Video Assistant Referee will be in use during the competition as 16 clubs begin to jostle for the N50m cash prize on Friday (today), The PUNCH reports.

Lagos Liga was first announced via social media in May and has attracted non-professional teams including clubs created by celebrities like Nigeria music stars Davido, D’Banj and Don Jazzy.

The opening match will be a tussle between Jarus FC and D’Banj’s Koko FC before Davido’s 30BG FC and Mavebrooks FC while Super Star FC and Golden Alchemy SC will also do battle on the opening day at the Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos Island.

League commissioner of Lagos Liga, Sandra Omoniyi, during a press confer ence on Thursday, announced the introduction of the technology as part of the unique offerings of the recreational tournament.

“About VAR, what we promised the DG of the Lagos State Sports Commission and everyone is delivering excellence. If it has to do with improvising, we would rather not do it, so you can count on the credibility of Lagos Liga, so we will go the extra length to deliver excellence at the centre of excellence.

Head of the tournament’s technical committee, Tobi Adepoju also explained the rules guiding the tournament as well as the use of the technology.

“In the technical department, we have had a screening of players done and we are still expecting others. Rest assured, players who have signed professional contracts will not play,” Adepoju said.

“I’m excited about the innovative rules added to this tournament including the no-offside rule, the 40-minute mark and most interesting, the introduction of VAR. Also, coaches can call for the VAR twice during the game (once per half).”

Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu said the tournament is special in the history of sports engagement in Lagos State.

“We are very happy to be part of this historic moment because non-professionals will have the excitement of experiencing a professional touch,” Fatodu said.

“We have been following the buzz on the soft laugh of Lagos Liga. So we believe that this will send a strong signal to the public that the Lagos State Government is open to strategic partnerships that will create more opportunities and bigger platforms for our budding talents.”

The Campos Memorial Mini Stadium, Lagos Island will host the group stage matches between today and Monday, December 16 while the tournament will continue at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena from the quarter-finals stage.

The final is scheduled for Friday December 27.