VAR dream put on hold as South African FA delays rollout again ahead of 2026/27 season

South African football fans will have to wait even longer for the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), with Safa’s head of referees, Abdul Ebrahim, confirming that the technology will not be available during the 2026/27 campaign.

Despite government funding already being allocated to support the project, Ebrahim revealed that the association is still far from implementing the system, citing the extensive preparation and training required before VAR can be used in official matches.

The announcement comes as a major setback for supporters, clubs and stakeholders who had hoped the long-awaited technology would finally debut when the new Betway Premiership season begins on August 1.

Training remains biggest hurdle

Speaking at the Southern Sun Hotel in Pretoria after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA Elite Program — a preseason referees’ workshop organised by Safa in partnership with FIFA — Ebrahim admitted the governing body is not yet in a position to introduce VAR.

“Are we going to have VAR next season? My simple answer is no.”

He explained that the process extends well beyond acquiring the equipment, stressing that officials must undergo comprehensive training before the system can be implemented.

“There is extensive training that needs to take place, and that training hasn’t started yet due to certain factors.”

Ebrahim disclosed that a dedicated project team has already been established and is awaiting approval from Safa’s National Executive Committee before the next phase can begin.

“Once that is received, the project team will host a media briefing to outline the next steps for the implementation of VAR in South Africa. But no, we are not ready for a 2026/27 rollout.”

His comments suggest the rollout could be pushed back by at least another full season as Safa focuses on preparing referees and finalising operational plans.

Government funds secured but rollout stalls

The latest update comes months after Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie announced that government had transferred funds to Safa to facilitate the introduction of VAR in South African football, with the initial focus on the country’s top-flight competition.

Safa later confirmed, through its finance national executive committee led by Mxolisi Sibam, that the money had been received and placed into a ring-fenced account dedicated solely to the project.

While the financial backing appeared to remove one of the biggest obstacles to implementation, Ebrahim’s latest remarks indicate that operational readiness, rather than funding, has become the primary challenge.

The delay is likely to disappoint many within South African football, where calls for VAR have intensified following a series of controversial refereeing decisions in recent seasons.

With the 2026/27 Betway Premiership now set to begin without the technology, attention will shift to how quickly Safa can complete the necessary training programme and secure executive approval to finally bring VAR to South African football.