COLWYN Bay Football Club has applied to install Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology at The Blue Turtle Arena on Llanelian Road, Old Colwyn.
The Seagulls, who play in the Cymru Premier League, want to install the VAR technology, which will include the construction of a timber kiosk as a video operations room.
VAR uses a video assistant referee, a qualified official that watches video footage of the game, with access to multiple screens, angles, and replays to assist the on-field officials in reaching the correct decisions.
The system is used globally, assisting referees in leagues in over 70 countries to “minimise the risk of human error”.
In a planning statement, the club said: “The Football Association Wales has recognised opportunities to strengthen, improve, and build the standard of football and the image associated with Wales’s top football league.
“The launch of the Cymru Premier Strategy 2024-2030 has detailed plans to improve the standard of the Cymru Premier League’s club facilities, brands, and awareness, alongside strengthening the Cymru Premier ‘on pitch’ product over a six-year period.
“The implementation of VAR as part of this plan will allow referees to perform at the highest possible level, providing quality decision-making to benefit players, fans, and television audiences.”
The plans will likely be discussed at a future Conwy planning committee meeting at Conwy’s Coed Pella HQ.
