SAFA says R20m VAR funding remains untouched as review enters final phase

South African Football Association (SAFA) says the R20 million it received from the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture (DSAC) for the introduction of video assistant referee (VAR) technology has not been spent.

The clarification comes two days after Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie criticised the handling of the project and revealed that he had asked SAFA to return the money allocated for VAR in the domestic game.

McKenzie has repeatedly said VAR should already be operating in South African football. SAFA’s latest statement sets out the steps it has taken since receiving the funding and explains why the project has not yet reached the implementation stage.

‘In April 2026, DSAC transferred R20 million to SAFA to support the implementation of VAR in South African football,” reads the SAFA statement.

SAFA said it had carried out a detailed technical assessment of VAR technology and potential service providers before the funding was received. That process resulted in three preferred providers being identified.

However, the association stressed that no contracts had been signed.

‘Prior to receiving the funding, SAFA had already conducted a comprehensive technical evaluation of VAR technology and service providers and identified three preferred VAR providers.

‘No contractual agreements were entered into by SAFA.‘At its meeting of 9–10 May 2026, the SAFA National Executive Committee (NEC) approved the implementation of the VAR Project in principle.

‘However, before any procurement process or contractual commitments could proceed, the NEC resolved that the project budget, cost assumptions, and procurement considerations be subjected to further review by the Finance Committee and a dedicated task team, in accordance with SAFA’s governance and policy requirements.

The organisation also held discussions with the Premier Soccer League (PSL) through the Joint Liaison Committee (JLC), as part of consultations over how VAR could be introduced.

‘SAFA has also consulted with the Premier Soccer League (PSL), through the Joint Liaison Committee (JLC), on the proposed implementation framework.

‘The VAR Project Team presented to the JLC and the PSL Executive Committee as part of the stakeholder consultation process.‘SAFA acknowledges that the governance, financial verification, and due diligence processes have taken longer than initially anticipated.

While acknowledging the delays, SAFA said the full R20 million remains protected in a separate account. The association added that the account also contains the interest earned on the funds.

‘However, it is important to emphasise that the R20 million received from DSAC has not been spent.

‘The full amount remains secure in a separate account, together with the interest accrued, pending the completion of the outstanding governance, budget verification, and procurement processes.

The statement followed a meeting between SAFA and DSAC on 18 August. According to the association, the department has now given it a final 21-day extension to complete the remaining work and provide a full report.

That report must include the recommendations resulting from the review, as well as confirmation of where the funds are being held.

‘Following engagement with DSAC on 18 August, the Department has granted SAFA a final 21-day extension to conclude the outstanding processes and submit a comprehensive report on the project, including the recommendations arising from the review and confirmation of the funds held.

‘SAFA appreciates the Minister’s and DSAC’s continued support and constructive engagement. The Association remains committed to ensuring that VAR is implemented in a manner that is transparent, financially responsible, compliant with governance and procurement requirements and sustainable,’ reads the SAFA statement.

The association’s response does not provide a date for the start of VAR in South African football, but confirms that implementation remains subject to the completion of the financial, governance and procurement reviews.

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