The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has allocated R82 million for the procurement and implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system for South African football.
“This initiative aims to enhance the integrity, fairness, and overall quality of domestic competitions by addressing ongoing concerns over refereeing decisions that have led to fan dissatisfaction and which stand to impact South Africa’s future standing among footballing nations if VAR is not adopted,” the department said on Thursday.
This project is being implemented by the department, in close collaboration with the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
This funding will enable the swift development of a comprehensive project plan, training programmes for referees and officials, technology selection, stadium assessments, and the establishment of a VAR Training Centre.
A portion of the budget will be dedicated to providing reliable connectivity at relevant stadiums, ensuring seamless integration of the VAR system while also enhancing overall stadium safety, for instance, by facilitating better communication in emergencies such as locating missing children.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie said: “We commend SAFA’s dedication to this process and their prioritisation of transparency and FIFA compliance. These measures will undoubtedly contribute to the successful rollout of VAR, enhancing the integrity and quality of our domestic competitions.
“The nation is eagerly awaiting the delivery of this system, especially as we continue to see questionable decisions by referees during matches. The department remains fully supportive and looks forward to continued collaboration with SAFA and the PSL.”
The department had published a Request for Proposals (RFP) for VAR technology and received responses from potential providers.
The department said SAFA’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and adherence to FIFA’s requirements has been exemplary, with a strong focus on appointing a dedicated VAR Project Team and re-engaging the PSL to ensure a collaborative rollout.
“The department urges all stakeholders to proceed with urgency to ensure this allocation is utilised effectively within the current financial year, paving the way for VAR’s successful introduction in South African leagues.” – SAnews.gov.za
