- SAFA missed its target of introducing VAR at the start of the 2026/27 PSL season, with no confirmed date now in place
- Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie and SAFA officials held a joint briefing in Pretoria on 14 October but did not provide a rollout timeline
- SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao revealed the association's VAR budget exceeds R50 million over three years, far beyond the R20 million already allocated
- Briefly News spoke exclusively to a football analyst on the delays that have affected the roll out of VAR
The South African Football Association has yet to confirm when Video Assistant Referee technology will be introduced in the Betway Premiership, after missing its original target of having the system operational at the start of the 2026/27 domestic season.
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Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie joined SAFA officials at a joint briefing held at Freedom Park in Pretoria on Wednesday, 14 October 2026. Despite the public engagement, the session did not produce a firm implementation date for the Premier Soccer League.
Funding concerns mount over VAR project
The government allocated R20 million to SAFA in March 2026 to fund the project's initial phase. After the missed deadline, McKenzie sought the return of the funds before ultimately deciding to leave the money with the association. SAFA confirmed the allocation remained in a separate account and had not been used on the rollout.
However, SAFA chief executive officer Lydia Monyepao indicated on 16 October that the R20 million covers only a portion of what is required. Her total estimate for SAFA's implementation responsibilities stands at more than R50 million over three years, with the PSL's operational costs still to be determined separately.
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What is holding VAR back?
Monyepao outlined the scope of outstanding work, which includes securing FIFA approval, completing referee certification and training, integrating the system into competitions, ensuring broadcaster compatibility, finalising procurement processes and establishing long-term operational funding. SAFA and the National Soccer League, which operates the PSL, also need to agree on a joint implementation strategy.
Technical demonstrations and service-provider evaluations have added to the complexity of the project.
SAFA has indicated that a phased approach may allow the technology to be tested in selected competitions ahead of a broader rollout. Possible early opportunities include the ABC Motsepe League playoffs, the Hollywoodbets Super League and selected PSL cup fixtures such as the Nedbank Cup. Any use in PSL matches remains subject to agreements and technical readiness being confirmed.
The association has also been expanding the pool of trained match officials, with engagement involving the Confederation of African Football's regional structures and FIFA.
Until a concrete timetable is in place, questions over the cost, readiness and timing of VAR in South African football are expected to persist.
Football analyst Brighton Bafana's proposed assessment centres on the need for accountability, proper preparation and a clear implementation timetable.
“I think the delay in introducing VAR raises serious questions about the planning and readiness of South African football. We have been talking about this technology for a long time, and supporters want to see action rather than hear more promises,” Bafana said in proposed comments awaiting his approval.
Source: Briefly News