This archive report was first published on 5 January 2020.
Cameroon is set to host the first-ever use of the FIVB Video Challenge System in Africa during the continental Olympics qualifiers, which kicked off on January 5, 2020. The system, introduced by the world volleyball governing body FIVB in 2013, has been a huge success in international competitions such as the World Cup and Grand Prix.
According to the system's developer, Hawk Eye Innovations, a total of 25 cameras are used, with 10 installed around the stadium and another 15 placed around the court. The cameras are linked to electronic tablets used by coaches, captains, referees, and the video referee to review and challenge decisions.
Decisions that can be challenged include ball in or out, block touch, net fault, antenna touch, and foot fault. Challenges must be requested through pre-programmed tablets immediately after the occurrence of the suspected fault, prompting the first referee to stop the action.
Kenya coach Paul Bitok believes the Challenge system will enhance fairness in the game. "It's a very good system since referees have to be fair in their decisions. We have had problems in the past with officiating but the Challenge system will address that fully," he said.
Egypt coach Marco Queiroga welcomed the new technology, saying it is great that Africa is catching up with the world. "This is my first time coaching in Africa and I think it's important to have it. Sometimes the action is so fast for the human eye so it's always good to confirm because some decisions can change the outcome of the match," he said.
