‘I have done all I can’ – South Africa Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie hands delayed VAR project to SAFA

South African sports minister Gayton McKenzie has washed his hands of the country’s repeatedly delayed video assistant referee (VAR) project, insisting the South African Football Association (Safa) must now take responsibility for delivering the technology after receiving R20 million in government funding.

McKenzie said he had done everything possible to get VAR introduced into South African football and would leave Safa to resolve the technical and operational challenges holding up implementation.

The technology was expected to be introduced at the start of the 2026-27 domestic season, but Safa has missed that deadline and is now targeting the concluding stages of the Nedbank Cup and the Premier Soccer League promotion-relegation playoffs.

Speaking at a joint implementation update press conference with Safa CEO Lydia Monyepao at Freedom Park in Pretoria on Wednesday, McKenzie made it clear that the responsibility no longer rested with his ministry.

“I gave money to the CEO and I am now waiting for VAR,” he said. “There is not a single thing I can do more.”

McKenzie draws line after R20m funding

The minister said he had faced criticism over the delays despite securing the funding needed to initiate the project.

Safa received R20 million from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in April, with the association initially aiming to introduce the technology at the beginning of the domestic season.

McKenzie defended his involvement, arguing that he had taken the necessary steps to make the project possible and should not be held responsible for the subsequent delays.

“People are blaming me, but you are blaming the guy who brought VAR and put it on the table. It must be called ‘McKenzie’ when it comes because I have fought hard for it,” he said.

He also revealed that he had demanded the return of the money when Safa failed to provide updates, although Monyepao subsequently showed him bank statements to verify that the funds remained available.

“I want to say to South Africans that when Safa was quiet, I got worried and I sent them a letter that I want the money back. The CEO showed me bank statements and I verified them.”

McKenzie maintained that his role had reached its conclusion, leaving the association to navigate the remaining obstacles.

“There is nothing [more] you can ask me about VAR. I put it on the table and I raised money for it because our football needs it.”

Safa identifies obstacles to implementation

Monyepao acknowledged that the project had encountered practical difficulties, explaining that the task team needed additional time to complete the necessary assessments and establish agreement among the key stakeholders.

“The VAR task team, after performing some research, discovered several practical challenges affecting implementation of VAR,” she said.

She added that Safa and the National Soccer League (NSL), which oversees the Premier Soccer League, needed to agree on a coordinated implementation strategy.

According to Monyepao, the project requires more than purchasing the necessary equipment. Safa must also complete technical demonstrations, evaluate service providers and secure confirmation that the relevant football authorities and broadcasters are ready.

“The project team also advised on a meaningful process alignment and agreement between Safa and the National Soccer League [NSL, the holding company for the PSL] regarding a joint implementation strategy.”

She said insufficient time had been available for the necessary assessments, while unresolved stakeholder issues and tight deadlines had complicated progress.

Monyepao stressed that Safa would not make significant procurement commitments until the technical, operational, financial and football-related requirements had been addressed.

PSL involved as new deadline approaches

The Nedbank Cup’s concluding stages, which typically begin in February, and the promotion-relegation playoffs have emerged as the next targets for introducing VAR.

However, Safa must still address several requirements, including FIFA approval, referee certification and training, infrastructure readiness, broadcaster compatibility and long-term operational funding.

Monyepao described the initiative as a complex football modernisation programme rather than a straightforward equipment purchase.

McKenzie also rejected suggestions that the PSL had been excluded from discussions, confirming that he had engaged directly with its chairman, Dr Irvin Khoza.

“The PSL has been part of the discussions and part of meetings. I personally had meetings with [PSL chair] Dr Irvin Khoza. He has even delegated someone to represent the PSL in our meetings.”

The minister acknowledged that sustaining VAR would require continued financial support beyond the initial investment, particularly to cover refereeing costs.

“This is not a one-off cost, referees must be paid and as a minister I have put up my hand and said we will assist because we understand the importance of VAR in our game.”

With the original deadline missed, attention now turns to whether Safa can overcome the outstanding challenges and deliver the technology during the closing stages of the current domestic campaign.