Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has announced that government is in the final stages of securing funding to introduce Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology to South African football — a major move toward aligning with global football standards.
Speaking on the urgent need for technological upgrades, McKenzie said VAR is no longer a luxury but a necessity, citing that poor refereeing decisions often lead to fan frustration and stadium vandalism. “Fair play is key to restoring trust in the game. VAR will help us get there,” he said.
McKenzie also pointed out that while top local teams like Mamelodi Sundowns draw international attention, many overseas clubs are reluctant to play in South Africa due to the absence of VAR — a standard fixture in global competitions.
With funding close to being finalised, the department’s next step will be coordinating with the South African Football Association (SAFA) and league stakeholders to ensure smooth rollout. If implemented successfully, the arrival of VAR could mark a new era for South African football, boosting credibility, fairness, and international appeal.
