VAR finally confirmed for South African football next season
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie confirms R90 million secured for long-awaited VAR implementation in the PSL, handing the baton to SAFA for roll-out.
South Africa.- In what could be the biggest game-changer for South African football since the advent of professional leagues, Minister of Sports and Recreation Gayton McKenzie has confirmed that Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology will be rolled out in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) next season.
Speaking in a candid video posted on his X (formerly Twitter) profile, McKenzie announced that the long-overdue introduction of VAR is no longer a pipe dream but a funded and fast-approaching reality.
“People are asking me where is the VAR?” said McKenzie.
“I promised and I said the month of April. I’ve done it. The money is there, the advert went out. FIFA will tell you, they don’t want the department to do it.”
The lack of VAR has dominated headlines for this year’s Betway Premiership season, with fans, sport bettors, and analysts united in their frustration over controversial refereeing decisions.
Many have accused the PSL of dragging its boots, as other leagues across Africa and the globe have already embraced the tech.
SAFA to roll out implementation
McKenzie revealed that R90 million ($4.8m) has been secured, and the implementation has been handed to the South African Football Association (SAFA). He said SuperSport had played a critical role in assisting with testing the technology abroad.
A successful trial in Spain sealed the deal, with McKenzie confirming, “It works 100%.” This update flips the frustration script. The money is in the bank. The testing is complete. Now, the ball is squarely in SAFA’s court.
“Now we’re waiting for SAFA to announce the company that will win the tender to do VAR,” said McKenzie.
“So people, stop asking me where is VAR. I have done what I promised to do.”
With the minister’s job done, all eyes are on SAFA to deliver the final pass. If executed correctly, next season’s PSL could finally get the assist it needs – from technology designed to get the calls right, every time.
South African football is about to enter a new era. And this time, the camera’s won’t miss a thing.
