South Africa Sports Minister fumes over VAR implementation delay, demand SAFA return of R13m

South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has called on the South African Football Association (SAFA) to return the R13 million allocated to the association for the implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

McKenzie expressed his frustration with SAFA, accusing the association of failing to deliver on the responsibility for which the government funds were provided.

The minister said he had taken several stakeholders, including journalists, football administrators and members of the VAR research team, to Spain and the United Kingdom to study different VAR systems and determine the most suitable option for South African football.

According to McKenzie, the government subsequently allocated R13 million to SAFA to facilitate the implementation of VAR, in line with FIFA requirements.

“FIFA’s rules states clearly that VAR must be implemented through SAFA. I took journalists, administrators and the VAR research team to Spain and the UK for them to compare which option is the best one for us. I then allocated R13 million to SAFA – I can’t do more as the minister,” said McKenzie.

However, the minister claims the project has not progressed as expected, prompting him to formally request that SAFA return the money.

McKenzie revealed that he had written to SAFA demanding the repayment of the funds, but the football governing body subsequently requested an additional 21 days to respond to the matter.

“I wrote SAFA a letter requesting them to return my money, they then asked for 21 days grace. I am angry because what else can I do,” he added.

The dispute comes as South African football continues to work towards introducing VAR technology into the PSL, with the system expected to improve the accuracy of refereeing decisions and reduce controversial incidents during matches.

McKenzie’s latest comments underline the growing frustration surrounding the implementation process, particularly after public funds were committed to help facilitate the project.

The minister has made it clear that he expects accountability over the R13 million and appears unwilling to provide additional financial support until the concerns surrounding the use and implementation of the funds are addressed.

SAFA will now be under pressure to explain the delay and clarify the status of the money allocated for the VAR project, as questions continue to mount over when the technology will finally be fully implemented in the PSL.