Just two days after former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko moved to court to challenge Harambee Stars’ elimination by Madagascar, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) held a referees’ training workshop on VAR in Nairobi amid mounting debate over officiating.

On Tuesday, CAF convened accredited journalists and referees at the Ulinzi Sports Complex for a workshop on officiating, focusing on the role of VAR in modern football.

The initiative came at a tense moment, with the controversy surrounding Harambee Stars striker Ryan Ogam’s disallowed goal in the quarter-final clash still dominating public debate.

CAF Referees Vice Chairman Victor Gomez walked participants through the VAR process, stressing the professional and emotional weight decisions carry for officials.

“One of the worst feelings is making a decision you believe is correct, only to later realize you were wrong,” Gomez said. “VAR gives referees the chance to review and correct themselves. It is here to stay – it is the future of refereeing.”

Kenyan referee Dickens Mimisa echoed the sentiment but clarified that VAR only supports the referee, who ultimately makes the call.

“VAR doesn’t decide the game – the referee does. It only recommends a second look. You can stick with your call or change it, but the whistle always belongs to you,” he explained.

In his petition, Sonko faulted the absence of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during the knockout match, claiming it cost Kenya a historic semi-final berth.

He argued that two legitimate Kenyan goals were wrongly disallowed, unfairly denying Stars a place in the last four.

Sonko further dismissed CAF’s Nairobi meeting as reactionary, accusing the body of trying to cover up poor officiating after Stars’ controversial exit.

“Why are they teaching referees how to use VAR when the matches are already coming to an end? They realized Harambee Stars’ match against Madagascar was unjust. Such training should be done before the tournament. Someone must be held accountable. We need an official response,” Sonko stated.

In addition, Sonko’s lawyers confirmed that CAF reiterated the need for a physical copy of the case he filed challenging the removal of Harambee Stars from CHAN.

Sonko, however, hit back at CAF, saying the response was only meant to delay the hearing of the case and allow the semi-final matches to proceed.

He insists all he is seeking is justice for Harambee Stars. “It is unfortunate that in this digital era we are being told to take a physical copy to Cairo, while we filed online within the required 48 hours. All we are asking for is justice for Harambee Stars, nothing more. They may proceed with the matches, but we shall ensure that such atrocities will never happen again,” Sonko said.

Sonko reiterated that he will not relent and will seek legal advice, escalating the matter in pursuit of justice.

He said the way this case is handled will determine how the future of football is addressed whenever such cases arise