Why Motsepe needs to cleanse himself regarding Aziz Ki's ‘goal’

It's utterly baffling that some analysts argue the Video Assistant Referee (V.A.R) system failed to acknowledge Stephane Aziz Ki's goal in the 59th minute of the Yanga versus Mamelodi Sundowns match.

The replay clearly showed the ball crossing the goal line after Aziz Ki's powerful shot, only to rebound off the crossbar. Despite this, the goal was disallowed, leading to a goalless draw and subsequent penalties favoring Mamelodi Sundowns.

Read: Controversy surrounds Mamelodi's win over Yanga in Champions League

Transparency is crucial in such situations. V.A.R should provide broadcasters with comprehensive replay footage from various angles, including slow-motion shots, to ensure both the referee and viewers understand the decision-making process. Without this transparency, controversies arise, casting doubt on the fairness of the game.

In my opinion, the decision to disallow Yanga's goal lacked transparency and fairness, raising questions about the effectiveness of V.A.R in ensuring just outcomes. Football authorities must review V.A.R protocols to uphold the integrity of the game and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

In this specific incident, the absence of replay footage from the V.A.R system and reliance solely on the broadcasting organization's limited camera angles is concerning.

The failure of the assistant referee overseeing V.A.R to prompt the on-field referee to review the incident on the pitch-side monitor further compounds the issue.

This lack of access to comprehensive replay footage and failure to utilize the pitch-side monitor for review raises significant doubts about the transparency and effectiveness of the V.A.R system in this match. Unlike goal-line technology, which automatically informs the referee of potential goal-line incidents, V.A.R requires human intervention and review.

The absence of goal-line technology in the match raises questions about the level of technology available at the venue. Instead, the referee had to make a judgment call when the goalkeeper reached the ball, indicating a potential lack of goal-line technology installation at Loftus Versfeld stadium.

Overall, these shortcomings highlight the need for football authorities to ensure consistent and reliable implementation of technology to maintain the integrity of the game and prevent controversies like this from occurring in the future.

The referee's decision to stop play implied acknowledgment of the goal, but he sought the opinion of the V.A.R in accordance with V.A.R regulations. These regulations stipulate that the referee must first make a decision before the technology is utilized to confirm or overturn it.

After consulting with V.A.R Jerson Dos Santos, the central referee Dahane Beida either concurred with the assistant's assessment that the ball did not cross the goal line or chose not to heed the advice to review the pitch-side monitor himself for confirmation. Instead, he opted to resume the game by bouncing the ball.

Read: Mauritanian referee under scrutiny over disallowed goal in Yanga vs Mamelodi CAFCL clash

It's noteworthy that Beida, the Mauritanian referee, has defended his decision by suggesting that blame should be attributed to the assistant referee. According to Beida, the assistant allegedly confirmed to him that the ball did not cross the goal line, thereby advising him to continue the game.

This situation underscores the complexities and challenges inherent in implementing V.A.R effectively. It highlights the importance of clear communication and decisive actions by match officials to ensure fair and accurate outcomes. Blame-shifting does little to address the underlying issues and emphasizes the need for continued improvement in the use of technology in football officiating.

It's important to recognize that in football, the referee's decision is indeed final. Therefore, it's surprising that Beida is shifting blame onto the V.A.R system when its role is purely advisory. The V.A.R can only suggest to the central referee to review a decision when there is significant doubt, according to regulations.

The incident on Friday is undoubtedly another disappointing moment for African football, particularly in an era where technology is expected to simplify decision-making and enhance transparency. Fans rely on television broadcasts to reveal the reality of various incidents, increasing their trust in the game.

What exacerbates the situation is the perception that the team benefiting from refereeing errors is one in which the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has vested interests in. This raises concerns about potential instructions given to referees, driven by the team's desire to advance in tournaments like the Champions League to earn points for qualification to the Club World Cup, which has expanded with more teams and financial incentives.

While allegations of bias are challenging to prove conclusively, they undermine the integrity of the sport. The fear of repercussions or favoritism towards a team associated with influential figures can compromise fair officiating.

This incident highlights the need for greater accountability among football stakeholders. Critical stages of competitions, such as the quarter-finals onwards, demand heightened scrutiny and adherence to fair play principles.

While V.A.R implementation may be costly, especially in earlier stages, its absence in crucial matches raises concerns about the consistency of officiating standards.

Ultimately, African football, like any other region, must strive for transparency, fairness, and accountability to maintain the credibility of the sport. Addressing flaws promptly and ensuring equitable treatment of all teams is essential for the integrity and growth of football on the continent.

The failure of referees to fully utilize V.A.R technology despite CAF's investment in it is indeed disappointing, especially in critical moments of the game where its assistance is most needed.

Incidents like the Confederation Cup final between Esperance and Wydad Casablanca highlight the potential for embarrassment and controversy when V.A.R is not effectively utilized. The abandonment of the final due to referee error underscores the urgent need for reform in African football officiating.

North African teams' consistent requests for non-African referees further emphasize the lack of trust in the continent's officiating standards.

Such lawlessness and disgrace tarnish the reputation of African football, hindering its growth and deterring potential investors. Transparency and fairness must prevail to attract reliable investment and regain fans' confidence, many of whom have become disillusioned with the management of the sport.

CAF, under the leadership of President Patrice Motsepe, must prioritize addressing these issues over establishing new competitions.

Motsepe's ties to Mamelodi Sundowns add complexity to the situation, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and potential bias.

To restore credibility, Motsepe must ensure a thorough investigation into the incidents and hold accountable those responsible, regardless of affiliations.

Cleaning up African football requires decisive action and a commitment to transparency from all stakeholders. Motsepe's leadership will be crucial in driving this change and restoring trust in the integrity of the sport. Only through genuine reform can African football realize its full potential and thrive on the global stage.