R82M SET ASIDE FOR VAR IN SA FOOTBALL

THE Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has announced groot progress in the procurement and implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system for South African football, in close collaboration with Safa and the PSL.

This initiative aims to enhance the integrity, fairness, and overall quality of domestic competitions by addressing ongoing concerns over refereeing decisions that have led to fan dissatisfaction and which stand to impact SA’s future standing among footballing nations if VAR is not adopted.

Following Safa’s recent update on the project to the Department, the following key milestones have been achieved to date. These include the publication of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for VAR technology, the receipt of responses from potential providers and alignment with Fifa’s Implementation Assistance and Approval Programme (IAAP).

Safa’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and adherence to Fifa’s requirements has been kwaai, with a strong focus on appointing a dedicated VAR Project Team and re-engaging the PSL to ensure a collaborative rollout.

To support this critical advancement, the Department has allocated a hele R82 million from its current budget specifically for the VAR project. This funding will enable the swift development of a comprehensive project plan, training programmes for referees and officials, technology selection, stadium assessments and the establishment of a VAR Training Centre.

A portion of the budget will be dedicated to providing reliable connectivity at relevant stadiums, ensuring seamless integration of the VAR system while also enhancing overall stadium safety, for instance, by facilitating better communication in emergencies such as locating missing laaities.

The Department urges all stakeholders to proceed with urgency to ensure this allocation is utilised effectively within the current financial year, paving the way for VAR’s successful introduction in SA leagues.

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, wysed: “We commend Safa’s dedication to this process and their prioritisation of transparency and Fifa compliance. These measures will undoubtedly contribute to the successful rollout of VAR, enhancing the integrity and quality of our domestic competitions.

"The nation is eagerly awaiting the delivery of this system, especially as we continue to see questionable decisions by referees during matches. The Department remains fully supportive and looks forward to continued collaboration with Safa and the PSL.”

This investment underscores the Government of National Unity’s commitment to elevating SA football to international standards, inspiring a nation of winners through innovation and excellence on the field.