The South African Football Association (SAFA) has issued a statement confirming that the R20 million grant allocated by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture for Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR) remains intact, while apologizing for delays in implementing the technology.
The association’s update follows public outrage sparked by Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, who claimed he was powerless to expedite VAR because the funds had already been transferred to SAFA.
McKenzie revealed that his department had even funded fact-finding trips for administrators and sports journalists to the UK and Spain to study international VAR implementation models for the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Frustrated by the lack of progress, McKenzie instructed SAFA to return the treasury-funded grant—prompting the association to request a 21-day window to respond formally.
SAFA maintained that the R20 million remains untouched in a dedicated, interest-bearing account and has not been misallocated or spent.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) wishes to provide an update to its members, stakeholders, the football fraternity and the public on the status of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Project and the R20 million received from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC).
In April 2026, DSAC transferred R20 million to SAFA to support the implementation of VAR in South African football. Prior to receiving the funding, SAFA had already conducted a comprehensive technical evaluation of VAR technology and service providers and identified three preferred VAR providers. No contractual agreements were entered into by SAFA.
At its meeting of 9–10 May 2026, the SAFA National Executive Committee (NEC) approved the implementation of the VAR Project in principle. However, before any procurement process or contractual commitments could proceed, the NEC resolved that the project budget, cost assumptions and procurement considerations be subjected to further review by the Finance Committee and a dedicated task team, in accordance with SAFA’s governance and policy requirements.
SAFA has also consulted with the Premier Soccer League (PSL), through the Joint Liaison Committee (JLC), on the proposed implementation framework. The VAR Project Team presented to the JLC and the PSL Executive Committee as part of the stakeholder consultation process.
SAFA acknowledges that the governance, financial verification and due diligence processes have taken longer than initially anticipated. However, it is important to emphasise that the R20 million received from DSAC has not been spent. The full amount remains secure in a separate account, together with the interest accrued, pending the completion of the outstanding governance, budget verification and procurement processes.
Following engagement with DSAC on 18 August, the Department has granted SAFA a final 21-day extension to conclude the outstanding processes and submit a comprehensive report on the project, including the recommendations arising from the review and confirmation of the funds held.
SAFA appreciates the Minister’s and DSAC’s continued support and constructive engagement. The Association remains committed to ensuring that VAR is implemented in a manner that is transparent, financially responsible, compliant with governance and procurement requirements and sustainable.
