Lately, questions have arisen regarding the organization of VAR work in Ukrainian league matches, so the UAF and UPL provide clarifications on the procedure for using the system.

The Number of VARs in Ukraine

Currently, three VAR systems have been assembled in Ukraine. The purchase of the first VAR van was fully funded by the UAF. The second and third VAR vans were purchased jointly by the UAF and partially by the UPL.

All VAR vans are located within Ukrainian territory.

Funding for VAR

To operate a VAR van at a match, additional funding is required:

— work of the replay operators;

— work of other technical staff;

— logistical and other operational expenses;

— licenses for software use and directly for VAR referees.

Assignment of VAR to a Match

The assignment of VAR to UPL matches is carried out according to the regulations, which were familiarized with all clubs before the start of the competition, following the procedure.

To determine the matches for applying the VAR system in professional football competitions during the 2022/2023 season, a special commission is created as follows:

— O. V. Protasov — first vice-president of UAF;

— E. S. Dikyj — executive director of OPFKU "Premier League";

— Luciano Luca — head of the UAF Referees Committee.

In case of necessity to apply the VAR system in PFL competitions, the president of PFL O. V. Kadenco may join the commission with an advisory vote (which is not counted when voting on approval).

The decision of the specially created UAF commission provides for the option of assigning one VAR van to a Ukrainian championship football match at the expense of the UAF.

The second and third VAR vans are available for booking by clubs. For consideration of such an order, the club must submit a properly completed application. The format of this application is provided for in the regulations on conducting the Ukrainian championship in football and the agreement between the UPL and the UAF. Such an application must necessarily include:

— date of match;

— name of stadium where the match is planned to be held;*

— guarantees of payment (i.e., technical base and human resources).

*The name of the stadium is needed to understand whether the stadium has already been certified according to FIFA requirements for hosting matches with the VAR system.

If an away team submits an application, then such a submitting club must also add written consent from the home team on accepting the VAR system within its own sports infrastructure in accordance with the requirements specified in the UPL regulations (Appendix N 20).

Only applications properly completed according to the prescribed procedure are accepted for consideration, and the decision on approval or rejection is communicated to the club in accordance with the relevant regulation, published on the UPL website, within a period of one — three days.