Government Allocates R82 Million for VAR in South African Football, Fans Divided

• The Department of Sports has confirmed funding for the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in South Africa
• The allocation will support referee training and the establishment of key systems for VAR’s full implementation
• The announcement has divided opinion, with many South Africans questioning the use of funds on social media

The Government has released the necessary funding for the procurement and implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in South African football.

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, who had previously addressed Parliament on the required funding, had come under heavy scrutiny from football fans for the unfulfilled promises of introducing VAR to South African football.

In a statement on Thursday, 4 September, the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture announced an allocation of R82 million towards the project.

According to the Department, the money will go towards referee training, the development of a comprehensive project plan, technology selection, stadium assessments, and the establishment of a VAR training centre.

McKenzie commended SAFA for its involvement, saying:

“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.”

Read the whole statement below:

How South Africans reacted

One user, @SirBrayneZA, raised serious concerns:

“Progress is appreciated. However, disclosing the budget publicly was a critical mistake. Tender processes are supposed to be confidential. By revealing the R82 million figure upfront, bidders may now simply match the ceiling instead of offering cost-effective solutions. This undermines competitiveness and risks breaching the Public Finance Management Act. The expenditure could even be deemed irregular and affect the Department’s audit outcomes.”

Other South Africans shared mixed views:

@MokwadiMo:

“Where do we apply for VAR training, and what are the requirements?”

@Mademza_:

“How much did it cost individual European countries to procure and install VAR systems?”

@Jay_Flavoured:

“This smells like a PR stunt. Why would VAR be implemented after the season has already started? Is the R82 million a once-off allocation or will it recur annually until elections? And can local stadiums even handle all the necessary high-speed cameras?”

@LuticMolo:

“R82m for VAR is deeply problematic. The PSL, a private league, is the direct beneficiary while taxpayers foot the bill. Public funds should uplift grassroots sport, not subsidise wealthy entities. This makes the prioritisation of VAR look completely misaligned with developmental needs.”

Sports Minister's son explains why he does not use his father's surname

Briefly News previously reported that Siwelele FC owner and Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie's son, Calvin Le John, has spoken publicly for the first time since acquiring SuperSport United in a R50 million deal.

Le John addressed speculation surrounding the purchase and explained why he does not carry his father's surname, despite recently confirming that he is indeed McKenzie's son.

Source: Briefly News