South African football is set to take a major technological leap as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system will be introduced in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) from next season. This was officially confirmed by Minister of Sport and Recreation, Gayton McKenzie, who declared that all necessary steps, including funding, have been completed on the government’s side.
Mounting Pressure for Fairer Officiating
Throughout the current Betway Premiership season, there has been growing dissatisfaction with the standard of refereeing, with several controversial decisions sparking outrage among clubs, players, and supporters. The absence of VAR—a system already in place in most major leagues worldwide—has become a persistent source of frustration for South African football fans.
Calls for its implementation have grown louder, with many stakeholders feeling the PSL has fallen behind global standards. In response to the demand, McKenzie has taken steps to ensure that the technology becomes a part of local football.
McKenzie: “My Work Is Done”
Speaking in a video post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, McKenzie confirmed that the Department of Sport has delivered on its promise to facilitate VAR’s arrival.
“People are asking me where is the VAR?” McKenzie said. “I promised and I said the month of April. I’ve done it. The money is there, the advert went out.”
According to McKenzie, the R90 million required for the implementation has already been allocated to the South African Football Association (SAFA), which is now responsible for overseeing the next steps.
“We went to Spain with the help of SuperSport, we tested VAR. It works 100%,” he added.
FIFA Protocol Requires SAFA Oversight
While the government provided the funding and logistical support, McKenzie clarified that FIFA regulations prohibit his department from directly managing the project. Instead, the responsibility now falls to SAFA to manage the implementation process, which includes awarding the operating contract through a tender process.
“FIFA doesn’t want the department to do it. They want SAFA to do it,” McKenzie explained. “So now we’re waiting for SAFA to announce the company that will win the tender to do VAR.”
This ensures the rollout adheres to international standards and maintains the integrity of football’s global governance structure.
SuperSport’s Involvement and Technical Testing
SuperSport, one of the biggest sports broadcasters on the continent, played a vital role in the technical preparation for the introduction of VAR. The broadcaster supported the delegation that traveled to Spain to evaluate and test the technology in a live environment.
This collaboration confirmed that the system works effectively and is ready to be deployed in South Africa. McKenzie emphasized that the technical capability is not in doubt, and that the remaining steps are purely administrative.
VAR to Usher in a New Era for PSL
With everything in place from the government’s side, McKenzie urged the football community to be patient while SAFA finalizes the final logistics.
“Let’s give SAFA a chance to finalise. There will be VAR in our soccer in South Africa,” he said. “I have done what I promised to do. There’s nothing more I can do—the money is the most important part, and it’s already there.”
The introduction of VAR promises to significantly improve the accuracy of officiating decisions in the PSL. Fans and clubs alike can now look forward to fewer controversies and a more transparent and professional matchday experience.
Looking Ahead
Once implemented, the PSL will join a growing list of leagues around the world that use VAR to support referees in making correct calls regarding goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity.
The rollout of this technology will mark a significant milestone in the modernization of South African football and could pave the way for even greater improvements in the game’s administration and credibility.
As the 2024/2025 season approaches, South African football fans can finally prepare to see VAR become a reality in their local league.
Related article: VAR Rollout in Motion: McKenzie Says We Are Ready
