SAFA says R20m VAR funding remains untouched as project faces further checks

SAFA says the R20 million provided by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) for the introduction of Video Assistant Referee technology remains unspent while financial and compliance reviews are completed.

The association confirmed the position during a joint media briefing with DSAC on Wednesday, held to clarify the progress of the VAR project.

SAFA chief executive Lydia Monyepao said the R20 million was the first instalment of an overall three-year budget worth R54,7 million. The funding was transferred to SAFA on 6 March 2026.

“The three-year implementation plan and the budget prepared by the VAR project team, was submitted by SAFA to DSAC in February 2026, totalling R54,7 million over three years,” Monyepao said in a statement read at the Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum in Pretoria.

“On 6 March 2026 DSAC transferred R20 million to SAFA as a first (batch) of funding dedicated to the VAR project in line with the budget submitted in February.”

Monyepao said SAFA’s National Executive Committee approved the project on 9 May 2026, but decided that additional checks were necessary because of the scale of the spending and the use of public money.

She added that FIFA compliance requirements and the long-term financial consequences of operating VAR were also considered before implementation could proceed.

“Following the receipt of funding, SAFA’s NEC approved the implementation of the project on 9 May 2026. However, given the scale of expenditure, the use of public funds, FIFA’s compliance requirements and the long term financial implications of the VAR,” Monyepao explained.

“The NEC resolved that further due diligence and budget verification be conducted through the finance committee. As part of this review process, a dedicated task team was appointed on 22 May 2026.”

The SAFA CEO said the money had not been redirected or spent and was being held separately while the reviews and permissions were finalised.

“Our message around the government allocation is quite clear, the R20 million allocated by the government and transferred to SAFA remains unspent and protected. The funds remain in a dedicated account, together with accrued interest, pending the finalization of reviews and permissions from DSAC to proceed,” she said.

Monyepao also confirmed that the planned VAR system is intended to serve football nationally rather than only the country’s top division.

The expected beneficiaries include the men’s Betway Premiership, the Women’s Hollywood Super League and selected SAFA competitions. These are listed as the ABC Motsepe League, the SAFA Women’s provincial League and national play-offs.