Update: Safa’s R20 Million VAR plan faces major hurdles

Safa have revealed they are facing enormous technical and operational challenges before bringing VAR to life.

Sharing the latest developments, Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie and SAFA president Danny Jordaan engaged the media at Freedom Park in Pretoria on Wednesday.

It was highlighted that four local football competitions will benefit. The Betway Premiership, Hollywoodbets Super League, ABC Motsepe League and SAFA Women’s Provincial League national play-offs.

“VAR is not an easy thing, but I will say this to you, VAR is going to happen. VAR is busy happening,” McKenzie said, confirming that discussions with FIFA would begin on Thursday, 15 October.

The FA’s CEO Lydia Monyepao explained that the association initiated the project in 2024. It is focused on referee development, football modernisation and compliance with international requirements.

The project has been accelerated by a R20 million funding from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. Additional funding from SAFA, COSAFA, CAF and FIFA is set to follow.

Safa say the funding does not mean VAR can be introduced immediatel. Stakeholder alignment, technical assessments and procurement requirements are still outstanding.

Jordaan also highlighted the technology’s potential to improve officiating and player protection by giving referees a more comprehensive view of matches.

TRAINING AND TRIALS FIRST

SAFA confirmed that eight South African referees have received VAR training through COSAFA, with three fully approved as referees, VARs and AVARs. Namely Tom Abongile, Luxolo Badi and Akhona Makhalima.

The association expects the broader training and certification process to take approximately six months, involving theoretical lessons, simulator sessions and practical field training.

SAFA is also scheduled to engage FIFA from 15 October to seek approval to begin training additional officials.

Meanwhile, discussions with the Premier Soccer League and broadcasters, including SuperSport/Canal+ and the SABC, remain necessary to establish technical compatibility and operational readiness.

Rather than immediate full implementation, SAFA’s next major milestone is a controlled trial phase, potentially involving selected SAFA competitions, ABC Motsepe League play-offs, suitable cup competitions or approved international friendlies.

The broader rollout will depend on FIFA approval, successful training, technical readiness and procurement compliance.

SAFA maintains that the additional scrutiny is necessary to protect public funds and establish a sustainable system. For South African football supporters, VAR is progressing, but its arrival in domestic competitions still depends on several crucial steps.