Safa says R30m VAR funding is secure as final 21-day deadline is agreed

South African Football Association (Safa) chief executive Lydia Monyepao says the R30m provided for the implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology is secure in a dedicated account, as the association works to complete the outstanding governance and regulatory checks.

Safa has accepted a final 21-day extension from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) to provide a full report on the delayed project. The association has acknowledged that it was too slow to update the office of Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, despite holding discussions with key stakeholders including the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

McKenzie criticised Safa after VAR was not introduced during the current season, although his department had supplied the required funding in April. He said the association must report back within 21 working days or return the R30m.

The dispute came before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture on Tuesday, when Safa officials including Monyepao and vice-president Linda Zwane appeared to answer questions about the delay.

Mxolisi Sibam, who heads Safa’s Finance Committee within the National Executive Committee (NEC), told MPs that the association had received the money from the department. He said the funds were being held in a separate ring-fenced account and had not been used.

According to Sibam, the money could not yet be allocated because a number of policy, governance and regulatory requirements still had to be completed.

Safa also cited practical obstacles to the introduction of VAR. Most referees in South Africa still need to be trained to operate the technology, while the fact that many stadiums are owned by municipalities rather than clubs has complicated the infrastructure work required.

In a subsequent statement, Safa said it had engaged with the PSL through the Joint Liaison Committee (JLC), although it accepted that its communication with all stakeholders, including DSAC, should have been better.

“Safa has also consulted with the Premier Soccer League (PSL), through the Joint Liaison Committee (JLC), on the proposed implementation framework. The VAR Project Team presented to the JLC and the PSL Executive Committee as part of the stakeholder consultation process,” Safa stated in a statement.

The association also admitted that the checks connected to governance, finances and due diligence had taken longer than expected.

“Safa acknowledges that the governance, financial verification, and due diligence processes have taken longer than initially anticipated.”

Following talks with DSAC on 18 August, the department agreed to give Safa a final 21-day period in which to complete the remaining work and submit its report.

“Following engagement with DSAC on 18 August, the Department has granted Safa a final 21-day extension to conclude the outstanding processes and submit a comprehensive report on the project, including the recommendations arising from the review and confirmation of the funds held,” Safa said.

The report will include recommendations from the review and confirmation of where the allocated money is being held. Safa said it welcomed the department’s continued support and remained committed to introducing VAR in a way that meets governance and procurement rules.

“The Association remains committed to ensuring that VAR is implemented in a manner that is transparent, financially responsible, compliant with governance and procurement requirements, and sustainable.”

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