McKenzie hands Safa full control of South Africa’s R20m VAR rollout

Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie says he is stepping away from South Africa’s VAR project after handing responsibility for its implementation to the South African Football Association (Safa).

Safa has assured the minister that the R20 million allocated to the project remains available and that plans to introduce the technology are progressing.

McKenzie had given Safa 21 days in August to provide a full update after receiving no communication from the association since the funding was approved. Safa has now submitted its report to the minister’s office, explaining why the system will not be operational by the originally proposed start of the 2026/27 season.

The details were discussed at a press conference hosted by McKenzie’s office, attended by his deputy Peace Mabe and Safa representatives, including president Danny Jordaan and chief executive Lydia Monyepao.

Monyepao said Safa’s report was submitted to the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC) on 9 September 2026.

“Subsequently, Safa submitted a comprehensive report to DSAC on 9 September 2026 detailing some of the things that I already mentioned, which are governance reviews undertaken, technical readiness assessments, financial accountability measures, procurement considerations, broadcaster engagement requirements, training programmes, and revised implementation plans,” she said.

The department decided not to seek the immediate return of the advanced funds, allowing the project to continue under tighter conditions.

“Following consideration of Safa’s submission, the department advised that it would not immediately insist on the repayment of the advanced funds and instead allowed the project to continue subject to strengthened governance controls, reporting requirements, and various implementation conditions,” Monyepao added.

McKenzie said his concerns had initially been prompted by Safa’s lack of communication. He said he had demanded the return of the money before receiving and checking the association’s bank statements.

“When Safa was quiet, I became worried,” McKenzie stated. “I then wrote them a letter and said I want the money back. The CEO then sent me the bank statements, and I saw them. I verified them. I saw that the money was there.

“Now, South Africans, there’s nothing more I can do as your minister. I am handing over to the people (Safa) who have the money and the expertise. I can’t be part of the whole thing.”

Safa said it was studying successful VAR introductions in the Cosafa region, including the recent Cosafa U20 men’s championship. It is also preparing for a meeting with Fifa on Thursday, October 15, when the remaining details are expected to be finalised.

Monyepao said testing would begin in selected Safa competitions before wider implementation.

“Trials will be undertaken in Safa competitions such as the HSL (Hollywoodbets Super League), playoff tournaments such as the ABC Motsepe playoffs, and appropriate cup competitions with permission from the PSL, such as the Nedbank Cup in 2027,” she said.