Calls for VAR grow after five major refereeing errors in early PSL season

Calls for the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the Premier Soccer League are growing after five glaring refereeing errors were recorded during the opening rounds of the 2026/27 season.

Only five rounds of fixtures have been played, but concerns about the standard of officiating have already intensified. The early incidents have increased pressure for the Premier Soccer League to consider using VAR, with match officials facing scrutiny over a series of decisions described as clear mistakes.

The issue has emerged at the very start of the new campaign, rather than after a prolonged run of contentious matches. That has added to the concern among those calling for greater technological support for referees.

The five errors highlighted so far have become the focus of wider debate about officiating in the PSL. While the available report does not provide separate details of each incident, it says the mistakes were sufficiently obvious to prompt renewed demands for VAR.

VAR is increasingly being viewed as a possible way to assist officials in major decisions and reduce the impact of errors during matches. In the PSL, however, calls for its implementation have become more urgent after just five rounds of the 2026/27 season.

The timing of the controversy is significant. With the campaign still in its early stages, there is already pressure for action before further disputed decisions shape the competition. The growing calls suggest the concerns extend beyond one isolated match or a single refereeing decision.

The debate also places the spotlight on the role of match officials in the Premier Soccer League. Referees remain responsible for applying the laws of the game, but the early-season mistakes have led to increased discussion about whether additional assistance is needed.

For now, the five incidents have served as an early warning for the PSL. The competition has barely moved beyond its opening month of fixtures, yet the demand for VAR has already become one of the prominent talking points of the 2026/27 season.

The report, published by Sowetan, reflects on the errors seen during the opening five rounds and the response they have generated. It also notes that the accompanying story audio was generated using artificial intelligence.