SAFA CEO Explains Why R20 Million VAR Fund Remains Unspent After Government Transfer
- SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao addressed questions about the R20 million transferred by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture for VAR implementation
- Monyepao confirmed the funds remain untouched in a dedicated account, but stopped short of giving a timeline for when spending will begin
- SAFA revealed the VAR rollout is intended to extend beyond top-flight football to include women's and amateur competitions
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PRETORIA — South African Football Association CEO Lydia Monyepao has broken her silence on why the association has not yet spent R20 million in government funding earmarked for Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, more than seven months after it was transferred to the association.
Monyepao addressed the matter at a joint media briefing between SAFA and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) held at Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum in Pretoria on Wednesday, 15 October 2026.
How the R20 million was allocated
Monyepao said SAFA presented DSAC with a proposed three-year VAR rollout in February 2026, with the project expected to cost R54.7 million. The department paid SAFA R20 million on 6 March 2026 as the initial allocation towards the programme.
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Although SAFA’s National Executive Committee (NEC) formally approved the project on 9 May 2026, it later determined that it needed further scrutiny before committing funds.
The decision stemmed from concerns about the substantial cost, reliance on public money, compliance with FIFA regulations, and the project's long-term financial impact. On 22 May 2026, the NEC established a dedicated task team to conduct the additional due diligence.
"The R20 million allocated by the government and transferred to SAFA remains unspent and protected," Monyepao said, according to KickOff.
"The funds remain in a dedicated account, together with accrued interest, pending the finalisation of reviews and permissions from DSAC to proceed."
Source: UGC
Which competitions stand to Benefit
The former Banyana Banyana midfielder also clarified that VAR is not intended solely for elite men's football. She outlined a broader rollout that would cover multiple tiers of the domestic game.
"The principal domestic beneficiaries for this VAR are expected to include the men's Betway Premiership, the Women's Hollywood Super League and appropriate SAFA competitions such as the ABC Motsepe League and the SAFA Women's provincial League and national play-offs," Monyepao said.
The joint briefing signals an attempt by both SAFA and DSAC to manage public expectations around a project that has faced mounting scrutiny over delays, despite government funding already being in place.
Jackie Phamotse criticises Gayton McKenzie's stadium Wi-Fi plan
Briefly News previously reported that author and activist Jackie Phamotse had criticised Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie over his plan to introduce Wi-Fi at South African stadiums.
She questioned the minister's priorities, pointing to the struggles faced by writers, actors and sportswomen.
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Source: Briefly News
