McKenzie to ask FIFA for guidance over South African VAR dispute

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie says he will approach FIFA over the continued delay in introducing video assistant referees (VAR) in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), insisting his intervention does not constitute political interference in the affairs of the South African Football Association (SAFA).

McKenzie has faced questions over whether contacting FIFA could breach the governing body’s rules on government involvement in football administration. However, he says he is acting within the correct process and is aware of the regulations governing national football associations.

The minister has become increasingly outspoken about the lack of progress on VAR in South African football. He has given SAFA 21 days to address the issue after providing the organisation with R30 million.

His latest comments follow his confirmation that FIFA would be approached over the impasse. That decision has prompted concerns that the government may be interfering in SAFA’s affairs, something which can lead to sanctions under FIFA’s rules.

McKenzie rejected that suggestion when speaking to journalists.

“No, I’m going to FIFA…I’m not interfering as government,” McKenzie told journalists.

“People like to say, don’t interfere in SAFA. I’m not a stupid minister. I know the rules. I read the rules of FIFA.

“The rules of FIFA is very clear. That’s why I’m going to FIFA. I’m not stopping… some countries have been banned.

“They just closed the doors of the Federations. I don’t operate like that. I’m a man that reads. I’m a man that follows the correct procedure.

McKenzie said his intention was not to impose a government decision on SAFA, but to seek FIFA’s involvement through the appropriate channels. He pointed to cases in which football federations have been banned after government authorities intervened directly, saying he did not intend to act in that way.

The minister has maintained that his interest in the VAR project is motivated by concerns about the standard and safety of South African football. He has also claimed that some officials within SAFA are preventing the system from being introduced.

McKenzie believes VAR should now be implemented in the PSL and has linked the need for the technology to player welfare.

“But there will be VAR,” insisted the outspoken government official.

“You ask yourself, what is this thing of not wanting VAR? VAR must be here because players are getting injured.”

The dispute comes as the minister continues to press SAFA for progress following the allocation of R30 million and the 21-day deadline he set for the matter to be addressed.

The VAR issue remains the central point of McKenzie’s intervention, while his proposed approach to FIFA has raised wider questions about the relationship between the South African government and football’s governing structures.

The minister, however, insists he understands FIFA’s regulations and is following the proper route rather than attempting to take control of SAFA’s responsibilities.