The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture has confirmed it will channel R82 million into launching Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the Premier Soccer League (PSL). The allocation, announced this week, will fund referee training, stadium upgrades, and a dedicated VAR training centre, in partnership with the South African Football Association (SAFA).
Deputy Minister Peace Mabe defended the move, saying the investment was necessary to bring local football in line with international standards. However, the decision has triggered backlash after it emerged that funding cuts have been made to the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) and most national federations for the first time in the democratic era.
Federations Left Struggling for VAR
The funding shift has rattled sports federations across the country, with concerns mounting that development pathways will be severely disrupted. These programmes are critical for nurturing elite athletes and preparing them for global events such as the Olympic Games.
SASCOC, which oversees Olympic preparation, has been hit particularly hard. Its flagship programme, Operation Excellence (OPEX), provides financial and logistical support for athletes. At the Paris Games, OPEX contributed towards the participation of 56 of South Africa’s 149 athletes. With no direct allocation from the department this financial year, the future of such support is uncertain.
Government’s Stance on Sponsorships
Mabe acknowledged the strain the cuts would cause but insisted the department’s long-term strategy was to encourage federations to find private sponsors rather than depend on state funding.
“We’ve been engaging with various federations and explaining reasons why there are cuts or changes in the budgets,” she told SABC Sport. “One of the biggest roles that federations must play is to mobilise funding, and we want to give them that responsibility to sustain their programmes and secure partnerships.”
She also rejected the notion that corporate South Africa does not support sport. Citing Nedbank’s role in recent community initiatives, Mabe argued that companies are willing to back sporting projects if properly engaged.
Olympic Dream at Risk
The decision comes as Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has set an ambitious goal of sending at least 300 athletes to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Without government support through SASCOC, questions remain about how this target will be achieved.
Mabe admitted that resources are tight but insisted the department remains committed to building the largest-ever Olympic contingent. “I agree with you, sport is about money. Where there is no money, there is no way that we can expect athletes to excel,” she said, while conceding that the current budget allocation is under review.
Football Gains, Others Lose Out
For football, the arrival of VAR represents a landmark moment. The technology has been long-awaited in the PSL, with coaches and fans repeatedly calling for it to improve officiating standards. The department insists the R82 million investment will transform the local game and align it with global trends.
Yet, for many in the wider sporting community, the trade-off feels unjust. Sports such as athletics, swimming, and hockey, which rely heavily on federation funding, now face an uncertain future. Critics argue that prioritising football at the expense of multi-code development risks narrowing the country’s sporting success.
A Divisive Gamble for South African Sport
The debate now centres on government priorities: modernising football through VAR or sustaining the broader sporting ecosystem. While Mabe maintains that federations must take greater responsibility for attracting sponsors, athletes and administrators warn that without consistent state support, South Africa’s Olympic dreams could crumble.
As the countdown to Los Angeles 2028 continues, the coming months will reveal whether this bold gamble to back football over other codes will pay off—or leave the country’s sporting landscape more divided than ever.
Related article: Gayton McKenzie Allocates R82m to Modernise PSL with VAR Technology
