Doha: Earlier today, at the Qatar Football Association headquarters in the Iconic Building, the Qatar Football Association (QFA) signed a strategic partnership agreement with Media Power to develop the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in line with the latest international standards. This project is the result of more than a year of technical and operational work and a carefully planned roadmap between both parties aimed at reaching new horizons of advanced technology that elevate the refereeing ecosystem.

The agreement was signed on behalf of the QFA by Mr. Mansoor Mohammed Al-Ansari, Secretary General, and on behalf of Media Power by Mr. Jassim Al-Ali, the company’s General Manager.

The signing ceremony witnessed high-level attendance, including Mr. Pierluigi Collina, Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee; Mr. Marcelo Dalapin, CEO of Media Power; and Mr. Hani Taleb Ballan, a member of the QFA Executive Committee. Also in attendance were directors of departments, heads of sections, representatives from both sides, and various media outlets.

In a speech delivered on the occasion, Mr. Hani Taleb Ballan said:

“This project stems from diligent work involving technical resources and field visits to stadiums. This effort led the Qatar Football Association to select Media Power as the main integrator, in recognition of its global expertise and operational continuity.”

He added:

“The strategic partnership between both parties marks a qualitative leap in the operation of the VAR system, ensuring sustainable legacy that will serve and elevate the refereeing ecosystem—not only in Qatar, but also extending its impact to become a regional and continental development hub, with tangible results expected in the near future.”

The Executive Director of the Refereeing Department concluded his remarks by thanking the entire project team from the Qatar Football Association and Media Power, who spared no effort throughout the past year of continuous hard work, culminating in the launch of this ambitious national project—soon to deliver real, measurable impact on the refereeing sector.

For his part, Mr. Marcelo Dalapin, CEO of Media Power, said:

“We are pleased to be part of the development of the VAR system through this strategic partnership with the Qatar Football Association, which allows us to utilize advanced technology to transmit information and leave a clear mark in enhancing the refereeing ecosystem in the Middle East.”

Dalapin added:

“Media Power has maintained a strong presence in Qatar for several years through a local branch that has participated in multiple national projects. The company benefits from over four decades of experience in system integration and from its role in the VAR infrastructure of Italy’s Serie A. We hope our expertise will contribute to creating a true breakthrough in the VAR mechanism, elevating Qatar’s distinguished refereeing ecosystem to greater horizons of future success.”