After years of anticipation and speculation, South African football is finally on the verge of integrating Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology into the local game. Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, took to his official X account to share a pivotal update, signaling a major step forward for the domestic football landscape.
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Since VAR was officially introduced in global football by FIFA in 2018, there has been growing pressure for South Africa to adopt the technology to improve officiating and align with international standards. However, despite numerous discussions over the years, implementation has remained elusive—until now.
Minister McKenzie's announcement marks a watershed moment:
"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," he wrote.
This statement confirms several key developments:
Collaboration with SAFA: The South African Football Association (SAFA) will be at the helm of the VAR rollout, as required by FIFA regulations.
Call for Service Providers: Within the next week, a public call will be made to source experienced and qualified service providers to handle VAR operations.
Budget Secured: Crucially, funding has already been allocated, not only for the technical infrastructure but also for the training of referees—an essential component of a successful VAR system.
Support from Key Stakeholders: The coordinated support from SAFA and the Premier Soccer League (PSL) shows a united front, increasing the likelihood of a smooth and expedited implementation process.
This breakthrough has been welcomed across the football community, with fans, players, and officials all eager to see local matches benefit from the same level of technological assistance that has become standard in many international leagues and tournaments.
While timelines for full implementation have yet to be officially confirmed, the Minister's update suggests that the long-awaited arrival of VAR in South Africa is no longer a question of "if," but "when."
As the process moves forward, all eyes will be on SAFA and the PSL to ensure that the rollout is executed efficiently, transparently, and in a manner that enhances the integrity and fairness of the beautiful game in South Africa.
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