FUFA referee Muzamir Waiswa has landed himself in trouble after he utilized television replay to reverse a penalty decision during the betPawa Big League match between Kataka and Blacks Power in Mbale on Sunday.
In the 86th minute of the game, Waiswa awarded Kataka FC a penalty following a potential handball incident, which led to protests from Blacks Power’s players.
Overwhelmed by the situation, Waiswa made an unconventional move by hurriedly heading to the FUFA TV van to gain an alternative perspective on the incident. After reviewing the footage, he chose to withdraw the penalty decision.
Ronnie Kalema, Chairman of the Uganda Football Referees Association, has voiced his disapproval of Waiswa’s actions, asserting that they contravene the rules of the game. Consequently, Waiswa will face the disciplinary committee’s scrutiny.
Kalema stated, “Using the van as a VAR room is unacceptable, so the referee will be referred to the Referee’s disciplinary committee because we haven’t yet sanctioned the use of VAR.”
He further explained that “FIFA must authorize VAR usage in any country, and this has not yet been granted for Uganda. Referees are expected to adhere to the existing laws of the game, which do not include VAR.”