Sports minister Gayton McKenzie says Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system is finally coming to South African football.
This week, the minister revealed that the South African Football Association (Safa) issued a request for proposals for VAR services.
“We are committed to ensuring that VAR is introduced in line with Fifa regulations,” McKenzie said. “The money is available, and the necessary training for referees has also been budgeted for. With the collaboration of Safa and the PSL.”
On Wednesday, Gayton McKenzie took to X (Twitter) to announce that the VAR technology was expected to cost between R70 million and R80 million as a once-off expense with R70,000 as an addition per game.
“FIFA rules states clearly that VAR should happen through SAFA, we met with leadership of SAFA, advert will be placed in 7 days to find suitable service providers,” McKenzie said. “The money is available, training of referees has also been budgeted for. Thanks SAFA, thanks PSL, we are ready.”
Some fans are skeptical about Gayton’s promise, saying VAR will not solve the poor officiating in the PSL.
@ntukz7 wrote: “I thought VAR was going to be ready in April , Gayton selling dreams.”
Gayton McKezie says SAFA will pay for VAR
@mouga_l wrote: “I’m really concerned. We seem to be calling for VAR as if it is going to solve our officiating problems and it may only make things worse and be a huge disappointment. We need competency from our match officials and better recourse processes instead of just depending on VAR.”
Do you think VAR will be implemented in the PSL next season?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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