Implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) with technology in Indian football will ultimately depend on the consent of Football Sports Development Ltd., the owner of the Indian Super League (ISL), feels the top brass of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

The key reason behind the opinion is the cost of setting up VAR technology. The AIFF reportedly held discussions with five Fifa-approved reputed agencies, specialized in VAR, and according to a preliminary report installation of VAR implementation in ISL for five years is likely to cost Rs 25-30 crore approximately.

According to the AIFF’s acting general secretary M. Satyanarayan, if FSDL is not keen to come forward with financial support then it might be difficult to introduce VAR in Indian football. 

The AIFF top brass is likely to sit with FSDL regarding the issue in May and take a final decision before seeking approval from Fifa and IFAB. In that case, VAR technology can be introduced in ISL in 2025-26. 

Meanwhile, the AIFF is concerned with the gradual increase of match-fixing allegations in Indian football. The Federation's integrity department has already traced a person named Sam who is one of the kingpins in offering different Indian clubs, their footballers to get involved in the match-fixing. 

According to the AIFF secretary, the integrity department has so far received allegations of match-fixing issues in around 10-12 matches. The AIFF is trying to make the clubs aware and refrain from any kind of such offers.