The long-awaited introduction of the video assistant referee (VAR) system in South African football continues to face significant delays, raising concerns among fans and stakeholders.
In a recent National Assembly session, Rise Mzansi’s Makashule Gana questioned Gayton McKenzie, the Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, about the progress, budget, and implementation of the VAR system.
Mckenzie has shed light on the challenges, but it has also sparked frustration over the slow pace of development.
According to the minister, the department has allocated approximately R90-million for the VAR system, though this figure could decrease depending on the final evaluation.
Procurement yet to be finalised
However, the South African Football Association (Safa) has yet to finalise procurement, as a joint committee sport is still reviewing proposals from various companies.
Safa has received about a dozen proposals, but none have been evaluated, leaving the project in limbo.
The minister also disclosed that Safa is still engaging on critical aspects, such as the maintenance of the VAR system and its operational framework, which will include goal-line technology, a key feature for ensuring accurate goal decisions.
However, with no agreements finalised, the timeline for implementation remains unclear.
“I am concerned about the lack of clarity,” Gana said.
“If Safa cannot even tell us who will maintain the system or whether goal-line technology will be fully implemented, how can we trust that this will be done properly?”
Pressure is mounting
The delays are a painful experience for South African football fans, as the VAR system has revolutionised refereeing accuracy in global football, but local matches are still plagued by controversial decisions that could be resolved with technology.
The minister highlighted that a memorandum of agreement will outline maintenance and operational details once they are finalised, but this offers little comfort to fans eager for progress.
“We need answers, not more delays,” Gana stressed. “South African football fans and players deserve better.”
As Safa and the department navigate the bureaucratic hurdles, the pressure is mounting to deliver a system that aligns with international standards.
