South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, has expressed frustration over the continued delay in the implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in the country, despite revealing that R28 million had already been paid to the South African Football Association (SAFA) for the project.
McKenzie said the funds were provided to ensure the introduction of VAR into South African football, but the technology is yet to be implemented, raising serious concerns over the use of the money and the prolonged delay in delivering the system.
The minister has now issued SAFA a 23-day ultimatum to take concrete action and move the VAR project forward.
According to McKenzie, South African football can no longer afford to delay the introduction of technology designed to improve officiating and reduce controversial decisions during matches.
VAR has become an increasingly important part of modern football, assisting referees in reviewing key incidents involving goals, penalties, red cards and cases of mistaken identity.
Its absence in South African domestic football has continued to generate debate among fans, players and administrators, particularly after controversial officiating decisions.
McKenzie warned that if SAFA fails to act within the deadline, he is prepared to escalate the matter to world football governing body FIFA.
The minister’s threat to report the issue to FIFA adds further pressure on SAFA, which will now be expected to explain the status of the R28 million VAR project and provide a clear timeline for its implementation.
The development could also trigger renewed scrutiny of football administration in South Africa, with stakeholders likely to demand accountability over the funds already released for the project.
With the 23-day deadline now in place, attention will turn to SAFA’s next move and whether the long-awaited VAR technology will finally become operational in South African football.
