Farida Lutfaliyeva, the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) project coordinator at the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA), spoke at the Broadcasting / Cinema / Pro AV 2023 Azerbaijan conference, held on November 21-22, 2023, in Baku.

Farida Lutfaliyeva: I represent the Football Federation of Azerbaijan and oversee the VAR project. As you may know, VAR is a system that uses video technology to assist referees in football. Since the 2022-2023 season, we have successfully implemented this system in the Azerbaijan Football Championship and Azerbaijan Football Cup. Thus, our country has been actively using VAR technology for the second season in a row.

We have two types of VAR systems: centralized and decentralized. In the centralized system, the key component is the VAR center located at the Olympic Stadium in Baku. The games held here and in Sumgayit are processed through this centralized system. This system includes three VAR rooms integrated into the offices of the Baku Olympic Stadium.

For regional games, such as those in Ganja, Tovuz, Gabala, and Shamakhi, we use mobile broadcasting units (OB Vans) equipped with the necessary technology for implementing VAR. These matches are broadcast on the Azerbaijani sports channel CBC Sport, which also plays a key role in conducting VAR for these games.

Audience Question: How is the signal transmission process carried out within the VAR system at stadiums?

Farida Lutfaliyeva: We use fiber optic communication for signal transmission. At the stadiums in Baku and Sumgayit, the necessary internet cables are laid, and the signal is directed to the VAR center at the Olympic Stadium. In regional matches, we use a mobile unit, OB Van, equipped with technology similar to that used in the VAR center in Baku.

At stadiums like Azersun Arena in Baku, ASK Arena on Heydar Aliyev Avenue, and Neftchi Arena, formerly known as Bakcell Arena, all the necessary technological systems for match conducting and signal transmission are installed.

The video system we use includes all match episodes transmitted to the VAR center and through the VAN. The audio communication system, or Refeery Communication System, allows field referees to interact with VAR and aVAR in real-time. These matches are broadcast on the Azerbaijani sports channel CBC Sport, ensuring the necessary visibility of episodes for the referees.

At each match, we use at least eight cameras, and we plan to increase their number in the upcoming seasons, as the standard in Europe is the use of 12 cameras. Our goal to improve broadcasting quality includes purchasing more sophisticated cameras, including Slow Motion Cameras, for a more detailed analysis of contentious moments.

Currently, we mainly use Canon cameras. The signal delay is about 10 seconds.

Before each match, we send requests to Aztelecom and Baktelecom to check all cables and prepare the infrastructure. In case of technical issues during a match, we have an alternative in the form of a mobile OB Van unit, which allows us to continue using the VAR system seamlessly.

The II International Hybrid Exhibition and Conference Broadcasting / Cinema / Pro AV 2023 Azerbaijan was held on November 21-22, 2023 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Organizers: TKT1957 LLC, RAYS with the support of Azercosmos.

The next Broadcasting / Cinema / Pro AV 2024 Azerbaijan conference will be held on November 19-20, 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

About the Broadcasting / Cinema / Pro AV Conference:

The Broadcasting / Cinema / Pro AV hybrid exhibitions-conferences were initiated by TKT1957 in the summer of 2022. This event is a traveling mixed-format conference held in CIS countries and Georgia.

The conference is hybrid, combining a physical gathering of technical specialists and equipment manufacturers at a specific location with remote participation, allowing speakers and viewers to connect via the internet. To facilitate a more in-depth exploration of the equipment, a Touch@Try Zone is provided, featuring live working exhibitions with consultations from specialists.

The target audience comprises technical specialists from TV channels, radio stations, film production companies, TV operators, online platforms, stadiums, sports facilities, concert halls, theaters, educational institutions, event organizers, and top managers of system integrators. It also includes vendors from countries such as Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, Tajikistan, Estonia, Europe, Turkey, and the Middle Eastern region.

For participation and more information, please contact:

Maria Vinnikova
Email: maria.vinnikova@tkt1957.com
Phone: +90 536 018 43 49 (WhatsApp)

Alex Yarygin
Email: alex.yarygin@tkt1957.com
Phone: +99 559 707 01 26 (WhatsApp)

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