The Morocco Football Federation (FRMF) will splash US$1.3 million to use the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology next season.

Morocco made history last week when it became the first African country to use VAR in a domestic tie.

The system was used in two Throne Cup games after FRMF got approvals from International Football Council (IFAB).

President of the Central Arbitration Commission, which offers support to referees through training and development, welfare and legal support, Jamal Kaaouachi, confirmed Morocco would use the system next season for its 16-team Botola Pro League.

Kaaouachi believes the use of VAR will “contribute strongly to the implementation of the spirit and philosophy of the laws of the game which are justice, equity, transparency, spectacle and respect”.

Morocco’s Football Federation (FRMF) also considers the use of VAR as a giant step for the African game.

“VAR made a sensational start. In the match between Difaaa Hassani Jadidi and Tihad Athletic Sport, VAR confirmed a penalty decision in extra time,” the federation said in a statement.

The 2018 World Cup in Russia became the first tournament to use VAR in full at all matches and venues.

Pierluigi Collina, the chairman of referees at FIFA, claimed VAR significantly contributed to 99.3% of correct refereeing decisions being made at the tournament.

VAR is an off-field assistant who reviews live decisions made by the on-field referee with the use of video footage and a headset. VAR can only overturn a decision if there is a ‘clear and obvious error’ with the original ruling.