Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie says he’s no longer part of the VAR rollout, as he has handed all responsibilities to Safa, who have assured him that the funds are still intact and all plans for implementation remain on track.
In August, McKenzie gave the association 21 days to provide a comprehensive update on the implementation of VAR after receiving no communication from the mother body since allocating R20 million in funding.
Safa has since submitted the report to the minister’s office, clearly explaining why it has taken longer than the proposed start of the 2026/27 season to implement VAR.
Speaking during a press conference held by McKenzie's office – attended alongside his deputy Peace Mabe and Safa representatives, including president Danny Jordaan and chief executive Lydia Monyepao – Safa revealed what delayed the update and provided the latest on the rollout.
“Subsequently, Safa submitted a comprehensive report to DSAC on 9 September 2026 detailing some of the things that I already mentioned, which are governance reviews undertaken, technical readiness assessments, financial accountability measures, procurement considerations, broadcaster engagement requirements, training programmes, and revised implementation plans,” Monyepao said.
“Following consideration of Safa's submission, the department advised that it would not immediately insist on the repayment of the advanced funds and instead allowed the project to continue subject to strengthened governance controls, reporting requirements, and various implementation conditions.”
Following that report, McKenzie appears to have given Safa an extended deadline for the rollout of the system, saying he has done everything to support the project – for now.
“When Safa was quiet, I became worried,” McKenzie stated. “I then wrote them a letter and said I want the money back. The CEO then sent me the bank statements, and I saw them. I verified them. I saw that the money was there.
“Now, South Africans, there’s nothing more I can do as your minister. I am handing over to the people (Safa) who have the money and the expertise. I can’t be part of the whole thing.”
Safa announced that they are taking a leaf out of successful implementations in the Cosafa region – such as the recent Cosafa U20 men’s championship – while ensuring all bases are covered ahead of a meeting with Fifa on Thursday, October 15, to finalise details.
On the rollout timeline, Monyepao stated: “Trials will be undertaken in Safa competitions such as the HSL (Hollywoodbets Super League), playoff tournaments such as the ABC Motsepe playoffs, and appropriate cup competitions with permission from the PSL, such as the Nedbank Cup in 2027.”