VAR Debuts in Chile's Liga de Ascenso This Weekend

Chile's Liga de Ascenso is set to witness the debut of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system this weekend. Previously exclusive to the Primera División, this technology will now be available to referees in the second tier of national football, beginning with the match between Unión Española and Deportes Antofagasta on Friday.

Roberto Tobar, head of the Referees' Commission, described the implementation as a "historic milestone." He added, "We have been preparing for almost two months now that we will have VAR, to be up to the task for the upcoming matches."

The introduction of VAR includes five booths equipped with the technology used in the 2026 World Cup. The process has also involved referees from the Liga de Ascenso and the Segunda División, who have participated in training sessions and off-site matches.

Similar to Tobar, World Cup referee Juan Lara praised the arrival of the tool, having used it in 13 matches during the global tournament. "It is an important development for referees and also for Chilean football to have this new tool in the Liga de Ascenso," Lara stated.

Unión Española and Deportes Antofagasta will kick off the 18th round of the Liga de Ascenso this Friday at the Santa Laura stadium, with the match scheduled to start at 18:00 hours (22:00 GMT).