Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie says the process to introduce Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR) in the Premier Soccer League has reached a decisive stage, with funding now provided to the South African Football Association, according to iDiskiTimes.
Calls for VAR have intensified over the past three seasons amid concerns over officiating standards in the PSL. McKenzie had previously pledged the technology would be introduced, although he later acknowledged that the cost and technical requirements had slowed the process.
Speaking during a Department of Sport, Arts and Culture portfolio briefing, McKenzie said the government had now fulfilled its commitment to move the project forward.
“I can’t enjoy football anymore. I’m a super fan of football but whenever a referee makes a mistake people ask me where VAR is,” McKenzie said.
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“We made a promise to move forward with the implementation of VAR.”
Initial estimates suggested a full rollout could cost around R80 million. Rather than rushing the process, McKenzie said SAFA assembled a technical team to evaluate potential technology providers and ensure the system aligns with international standards.
The group included former referees Daniel Bennett, Victor Gomes and Jerome Damon, along with SAFA head of referees Abdul Ibrahim. McKenzie added that benchmarking discussions were also held with organisations involved in LaLiga and Premier League production.
According to McKenzie, the Department has now transferred the necessary funds to SAFA to move ahead with the project ahead of next season.
“The department has done its part. Treasury has given us permission and the money for VAR has been given to SAFA,” he said.
“We have kept our promise of VAR.”
Photo: Gallo Images/Frennie Shivambu
