Afrifa Kyeremeh Boateng, a 77-year-old Ghanaian minister and football enthusiast, has penned an open letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighting concerns over referee harassment during VAR consultations.
Boateng describes incidents where referees face divided attention between on-field action and VAR communications, heated arguments between prayers and team officials, and referees becoming vulnerable to coaches’ influence during VAR checks.
Boateng proposes specific procedural changes: referees should move to the center of the pitch to consult VAR without distractions, praying teams should retire to their half, and coaches and handlers should be seated separately while awaiting VAR decisions.
He urges FIFA to adopt these measures to improve referee security and match integrity, suggesting potential implementation in the 2026 World Cup.
The letter also calls for FIFA to critically analyze VAR protocols to enhance officiating standards and reduce conflicts involving referees, coaches, and supporters, aiming to make the game more attractive and globally balanced.
