Sam Nyamweya blames VAR for the exit of Nigeria and Senegal

Sam Nyamweya believes Nigeria and Senegal should have made it to the round of 16 of 2018 World Cup were it not for the introduction of VAR.

The former Football Kenya Federation boss has argued that, though the technology is good and welcomed to the game, it played a part in the elimination of the two nations from Africa.

“The use of the Video Assistant Referees was piloted in this World Cup and for Africa, especially Nigeria and Senegal ended up as a disaster.

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“Technology is good and it is welcome into the game but it is sad that the VAR did not help deliver justice to Nigeria against Argentina and Senegal against Colombia. Those two situations, however different, were clear penalty incidents which should have seen the two teams through to the Round of 16.

“If this is what technology brings us then we better have it tested beyond reproach before it can be deployed in games, especially if it is the World Cup,” Nyamweya said in a statement obtained by Goal.

Nyamweya has further beamoned the decision which led to the exit of Senegal from the competition. “Further, it is unfortunate that the tie-breaking regulations would come down to the number of yellow cards as was applied in the case of Senegal after tying with Japan.

Gabriel Rossi

“Based on my experience in football administration and considering the emotions and passion if the supporters, I would urge the leadership of Fifa under the direction of President Gianni Infantino to consider a better way of dealing with such because it is painful to exit a World Cup or any other tournament in the manner The Lions of Teranga did and such should never be allowed to happen again. A fairer solution should be considered in future.”

Nyamweya now says with the exit of all the five African countries, he will throw his weight behind France to lift the trophy in Russia.

“All is not lost for Africa and while it is a personal choice on who to now support in the tournament, I know the continent will stand with France because we have so many of our sons featuring in that Les Bleus squad. So I'd say allez Les Bleus, allez.”

The competitions last 16 stage will kick-off on Saturday with France taking on Argentina.