FINALLY, the VAR to be implemented in SA with R82m budget allocation.
After months of postponement, the minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie has announced the Video Assistant Referee, is to see the light at the end of the tunnel, with the budget from the department worth R82m.
The department of Sport, confirmed discussions took place amongst football custodians the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Going forward, the department will issuethe 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).
The FIFA system, that it used internationally, should by law be used in all local and international football matches.
Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, noted: “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.”
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.
SAFA and PSL were not readily available for comments at the time of publishing.
