Panama City, Panama — June 13, 2024 — Belgian Video Assistant Referee Bram Van Driessche was named the principal VAR official for Thursday night’s FIFA World Cup CONCACAF qualifier between Panama and Ghana, marking his first assignment as head VAR in a high-stakes international match after previously serving as an assistant in the system. The match, scheduled for 8:00 PM local time (1:00 AM UTC Friday), will be played at the Estadio Rommel Fernández in Panama City.

Van Driessche’s promotion to head VAR follows FIFA’s recent restructuring of its VAR team for the 2024 World Cup qualifying cycle, which has seen increased scrutiny on officiating decisions in CONCACAF matches. According to the FIFA Laws of the Game, the head VAR is responsible for overseeing all video review decisions, including offside calls, penalty appeals, and red card incidents, with the support of two assistant VARs.

Why Van Driessche’s Promotion Matters

Van Driessche’s elevation to head VAR comes after a period of debate over the consistency of VAR decisions in CONCACAF qualifiers. In the last two cycles, several matches—including a controversial 2022 World Cup qualifier between Mexico and the United States—sparked discussions about the need for clearer protocols and more experienced officials.

According to The Guardian, FIFA has been gradually increasing the number of head VARs in high-profile matches to reduce potential errors. “The trend is toward more experienced officials taking on the head VAR role, especially in matches with significant implications for World Cup qualification,” said a source familiar with FIFA’s VAR selection process.

For Panama, who are seeking to secure their place in the 2026 World Cup, the match against Ghana is critical. A win would put them in a strong position to advance, while a loss could complicate their path. Ghana, meanwhile, are looking to maintain their momentum after a strong showing in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

How VAR Decisions Could Impact the Match

With both teams known for their attacking styles, VAR decisions could play a pivotal role. According to FIFA’s official standings, Panama sit in fifth place in CONCACAF’s qualifying group, while Ghana are currently sixth in their CAF group but have already secured qualification through the 2026 World Cup playoffs.

Key areas where VAR is likely to be called upon include:

• Offside calls: Both teams have quick counter-attacking players who could test the VAR system’s ability to detect marginal offside positions.
• Penalty appeals: Ghana’s physicality in the box could lead to contentious moments, particularly if Panama’s defenders are caught offside in the build-up.
• Red card incidents: With both teams known for their intensity, any serious fouls or second yellow cards could be reviewed.

Van Driessche, who has been part of FIFA’s VAR team since 2019, has previously worked as an assistant VAR in matches including the 2022 World Cup. His experience includes overseeing decisions in the UEFA Champions League and other high-level competitions.

Context: VAR in CONCACAF Qualifiers

VAR has been a contentious topic in CONCACAF qualifiers, with several high-profile incidents drawing attention. In November 2023, a match between Canada and Jamaica saw multiple VAR reviews, including a controversial penalty decision that sparked debate among fans and pundits.

According to CONMEBOL, the South American football confederation, VAR usage in their qualifiers has been more consistent, with fewer disputes over decisions compared to CONCACAF. “The key difference is the level of VAR experience among the officials,” said a CONMEBOL official. “In CONCACAF, there has been more variability in the quality of VAR decisions, which is why FIFA is now assigning more senior officials to these matches.”

What Happens Next: Schedule and Implications

The Panama vs. Ghana match is one of the final fixtures in the CONCACAF qualifying group stage. The winner will advance to the next round, while the loser will face elimination. For Ghana, the match serves as a warm-up ahead of their 2026 World Cup playoff campaign.

Following Thursday’s match, both teams will have a short break before resuming their qualifying campaigns. Panama’s next game is scheduled for June 17 against Trinidad and Tobago, while Ghana will face a CAF opponent in their next fixture.

How to Follow the Match

Fans can follow the match live through:

• Official FIFA broadcast partners, including ESPN and BBC Sport.
• Panama’s official football federation updates.
• Ghana’s Football Association of Ghana social media channels.

For those interested in VAR decisions, FIFA’s official VAR protocols provide detailed guidelines on how reviews are conducted.