Former Chelsea and Roma coach, Jose Mourinho, has lauded the officiating standards observed at the ongoing African Cup of Nations, highlighting the continent’s exemplary use of the Video Assistant Referee system.

Mourinho, known for his keen interest in African football, expressed admiration for AFCON’s commitment to fairness and integrity in officiating, contrasting it with practices in European football. 

He commended AFCON for employing VAR without bias towards wealthy or renowned teams, emphasizing its impartiality and adherence to the principles of fairness.

The Portuguese tactician advocated for Europe to learn from Africa’s approach to VAR implementation, suggesting that the headquarters for VAR should be located on the African continent.

Mourinho remarked, “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,” Mourinho said per CFC News Report.

“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.”