Video Assistant Referee technology will be used for the first time in Northern Ireland domestic football during the upcoming BetMcLean Cup final.
The showpiece fixture between Belfast rivals Linfield FC and Glentoran FC will take place at Windsor Park on Sunday, 15 March at 15:00 GMT.
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The decision was confirmed by the Northern Ireland Football League, which described the move as a significant milestone for the domestic game.
VAR operations will be overseen by experienced referees from outside Northern Ireland using the Hawk-Eye system, the same technology deployed in FIFA and UEFA competitions.
However, on-field decisions will remain with Irish FA match officials, with VAR acting strictly as a support mechanism.
Controlled Introduction for Future Evaluation
League officials say the final provides an ideal controlled environment to test operational procedures, communication protocols, and matchday integration.
NIFL chief executive Gerard Lawlor acknowledged the move may divide opinion but stressed the benefits of improving decision-making accuracy and fairness.
Irish FA Head of Refereeing Andrew Davey described the introduction as an exciting advancement for officiating standards in Northern Ireland, reports BBC.
The experience gained from the cup final will help determine whether VAR could be implemented more widely across future NIFL competitions.
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