The wait for the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in South African football is finally reaching its endgame.
After years of contentious refereeing decisions and growing public outcry, VAR could be set to arrive in the coming weeks, according to the Minister of Sports Gayton McKenzie.
The implementation of the system is no small undertaking, with reports suggesting a significant financial commitment from the government. The initial setup is estimated to cost between R70 million and R80m as a one-off expense, with a recurring operational cost of approximately R70 000 per match thereafter.
It is a price tag aimed at bringing South African football in line with global standards and restoring faith in the officiating of the domestic game. For McKenzie, the push for VAR was not just a policy decision but a response to a relentless public demand.
“Wherever I go in the shopping centres and at football matches, people ask me where is VAR?” McKenzie joked, during a press briefing in Johannesburg on Thursday.
McKenzie revealed that the South African Football Association (Safa) is now on the verge of announcing the successful service provider. The rollout is expected to move rapidly, with the hardware being installed at key stadiums across the country before the end of the current season.
“Safa is on the verge of announcing the chosen supplier for the technology. We have been assured that the installation for the equipment for the chosen locations will be done in the next few weeks, and it will be followed by specialised training for technicians and referees,” McKenzie said.
While the financial hurdles have been cleared, the focus now shifts to the technical execution. The training of referees and match officials remains a critical step to avoid the teething problems seen in European leagues. However, McKenzie was firm in noting that the ministry’s work is done; the ball is now firmly in Safa’s court.
“We have given the money. We can do nothing anymore. Safa told us in the next few weeks they will roll it out. We have kept our word and it’s in their hands,” McKenzie added.
