Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has raised concerns about certain club officials hindering the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in South African football. For years, contentious refereeing decisions in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) have sparked widespread debate, prompting calls from fans, coaches, and pundits for the technology’s introduction. However, the wait is over VAR to launch in April.
Growing Pressure for Change
VAR has become a staple in top football leagues globally, including the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Serie A, helping to improve decision-making on the field. Several African nations, such as Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia, have already adopted VAR in their local leagues with success. The growing pressure for its implementation in South Africa reflects a widespread desire for more accurate and fair refereeing in the PSL.
VAR to Launch in April Overcoming Political Barriers
In an interview, McKenzie revealed that there are “politics involved” in preventing the rollout of VAR, suggesting that some parties may be reluctant to adopt the technology due to fears of losing the advantage gained from corrupt referees. He expressed frustration that individuals benefiting from dishonest practices might resist changes that could reduce such opportunities. Despite these obstacles, McKenzie reassured fans that VAR would be implemented.
Financial Commitment
McKenzie had previously stated that the government of national unity is ready to assist in funding the VAR implementation, with the total cost estimated at around R80 million, plus an additional R70,000 per match. While the exact contribution from the government is still unclear, McKenzie has promised that the technology will be introduced by April 2025.
The Need for VAR
In his interview with Robert Marawa on 947, McKenzie emphasised the importance of VAR in improving the quality of football in South Africa. He noted that the third division in some countries already uses VAR, while the PSL continues to lack this essential tool. McKenzie believes that VAR will not only help improve refereeing but also encourage fair play, making players more honest and elevating the overall quality of the league.
With the government’s commitment to funding the project and the necessary discussions taking place, South African football fans can look forward to the introduction of VAR in the near future, helping to bring a new level of transparency and accuracy to the game.
Related article: Abongile Tom’s Controversial Calls: Is VAR the Answer for South African Football?
