McKenzie demands SAFA return R13m over delayed PSL VAR rollout

South African Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has demanded that the South African Football Association return R13 million provided for the introduction of Video Assistant Referee technology in the Premier Soccer League.

McKenzie said he was angry that VAR had still not been implemented after the new season began. He had made the money available during the previous season, but football authorities indicated that there was not enough time to put the system in place and suggested it could be delivered this campaign.

The Betway Premiership season has now started without the technology. Some coaches, supporters and football analysts have questioned decisions in matches and believed VAR could have helped deal with those incidents more effectively.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 19th South Africa Sport Awards ceremony in Sun City on Sunday, McKenzie said he had written to SAFA seeking the return of the state funds. He said the association requested 21 days to respond and act on the matter.

McKenzie also said he had already discussed VAR with FIFA and intended to write formally to the world governing body. He indicated that FIFA wanted the issue raised through another process and in writing.

The minister maintained that he had taken the steps available to him by making the funding accessible and engaging the football authorities. With the PSL season under way and VAR absent, responsibility for the delayed rollout remains a point of dispute between the government and SAFA.