South African football’s long-running VAR debate has taken another dramatic turn, with Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie expressing his frustration over the continued delay in implementing Video Assistant Referee technology.
McKenzie has repeatedly pushed for VAR to be introduced into South African football, arguing that the country’s professional game needs modern officiating technology to improve decision-making and reduce controversial refereeing incidents.
The minister has previously confirmed that government funding was transferred to the South African Football Association (SAFA) for the project. In March, he said the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture had transferred an initial R20 million tranche to SAFA as part of a planned rollout. (Government of South Africa)
Now, with VAR still not fully implemented, McKenzie has made his frustration clear.
“I took R13 Million and gave it to SAFA, and I can tell you now, I can’t do more as the Minister.”
McKenzie reportedly said he had even written to SAFA requesting that the money be returned, questioning what more he could do from his position as minister.
His frustration comes after years of promises surrounding VAR in South African football. The technology was expected to arrive sooner, but the implementation process has involved funding, procurement, technical assessments and FIFA-related requirements. SAFA has been responsible for the actual implementation under football’s governance structures. (Government of South Africa)
The minister has previously insisted that the ball is now in SAFA’s court. In April, he warned that failure to introduce VAR could raise serious questions about the process, saying there should be no more excuses after government had transferred funding. (Inside Politic)
The latest development has once again placed pressure on SAFA to explain the delays and provide clarity on when VAR will finally become operational in South African competitions.
For football supporters, the issue has become increasingly important. Controversial decisions continue to generate debate after matches, while fans regularly compare South Africa’s officiating standards with leagues elsewhere that already use VAR.
McKenzie’s message is therefore clear: government says it has played its part, and responsibility for moving the project forward now rests with SAFA.
With pressure growing from supporters, clubs and football stakeholders, the question remains: When will VAR finally arrive in South African football? 😳🗣️⚽
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