Cape Town – The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has announced a R82 million investment towards the implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in South African football.
In a statement, the department confirmed that the initiative will be carried out in collaboration with the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
The initiative aims to enhance fairness, integrity, and the overall quality of domestic competitions by addressing concerns over refereeing decisions that have sparked widespread fan dissatisfaction.
The Office of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Spokesperson, Stacey-Lee Khojane, acknowledges that without VAR South Africa’s credibility and future standing among leading footballing nations could undermined.
Media Statement
4 September 2025Department of Sport, Arts and Culture announces R82m Allocation for Video Assistant Referee System in SA Football
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) is pleased to announce significant progress in the procurement and implementation… pic.twitter.com/gpHz8qHOhR
— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) September 4, 2025
“Following SAFA’s recent update on the project to the Department, the following key milestones have been achieved to date.
“These include the publication of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for VAR technology, the receipt of responses from potential providers, and alignment with FIFA’s Implementation Assistance and Approval Programme (IAAP).
“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”, said Khojane.
To support the project, the department has allocated R82 million towards the development of a comprehensive project plan, training programmes for referees and officials, technology selection, stadium assessments, and the establishment of a dedicated VAR Training Centre.
The DSAC has urged all stakeholders to proceed with urgency to ensure that the allocation is utilised effectively within the current financial year, paving the way for the successful introduction of VAR in local leagues.
FIFA rules states clearly that VAR should happen through SAFA, we met with leadership of SAFA, advert will be placed in 7 days to find suitable service providers. The money is available, training of referees has also been budgeted for. Thanks SAFA, thanks PSL, we are ready. pic.twitter.com/1xpsP1XLlA
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) April 6, 2025
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr. Gayton McKenzie commended SAFA’s dedication to the process and being transparent and complying with FIFA.
“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”, said McKenzie.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/@UnplayableZA
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Anda Tolibadi
