South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Gayton McKenzie, has announced that discussions are underway between the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to accelerate the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in South African football matches.
Calls for VAR technology intensified following the Betway Premiership match between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium, where several controversial refereeing decisions sparked widespread criticism. The sold-out crowd witnessed contentious calls that highlighted the absence of video-assisted refereeing in the league, leading to demands for change.
VAR technology has been widely supported by football fans, analysts, and officials across South Africa, who believe it will improve refereeing standards and ensure fair play. The need for its implementation has become increasingly urgent, with the outcry following high-profile games amplifying the call for modernization.
Speaking after the match, McKenzie stressed that it is time for South Africa to adopt VAR technology to stay aligned with global football standards. He noted that fans and the broader football community are becoming more vocal about the lack of video assistance in local matches. Responding to the growing demand, McKenzie quickly engaged with SAFA and the PSL to initiate talks on the matter.
“We are not in the tenth world,” McKenzie remarked, emphasizing the need for swift action. He confirmed that meetings with SAFA and PSL officials had already taken place, during which they discussed the technical requirements and financial aspects of introducing VAR in South African football. While no official timeline has been set, McKenzie promised to report back soon on progress.
The minister’s statements signal the government’s commitment to integrating technology into the sport, despite the financial hurdles. If successfully implemented, VAR would bring South Africa in line with top footballing nations that have already embraced video-assisted refereeing.
McKenzie appears determined to find a way to fund the implementation of VAR, stressing its importance for the future of South African football. Fans now eagerly await further updates from the PSL, SAFA, and McKenzie as they work towards deploying VAR to enhance the quality of officiating in local matches.
