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NIFL to Test VAR Technology in BetMcLean Cup Final

2/27/2026

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Story summary
  • The Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) will introduce Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology during the BetMcLean Cup final between Linfield and Glentoran on March 15.
  • VAR aims to improve decision-making and fairness without diminishing on-field authority.
  • Local referees will officiate, with VAR managed by officials using Hawk-Eye.
  • Gerard Lawlor, NIFL chief executive, said reactions were mixed but noted benefits.
  • The event will serve as a controlled environment to evaluate VAR.