SAFA hits back at Gayton over the R20m for VAR
A growing dispute over South Africa’s delayed VAR rollout has put Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie and the South African Football Association (SAFA) at odds, with the association insisting that the government funding remains untouched.
McKenzie has demanded that SAFA return money allocated to help introduce Video Assistant Referee technology in South African football, accusing the association of failing to move quickly enough on the project.
The minister said he had written to SAFA requesting the return of the funds and that the association had asked for 21 days to resolve the matter.
“I asked them to bring back the money of the state because I am responsible for it,” McKenzie said.
McKenzie had previously indicated that VAR would be introduced during the current season. However, the technology has yet to make its long-awaited debut.
SAFA: R20m has not been spent
SAFA has provided a different account of the situation, confirming that the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) transferred R20 million to the association in April 2026 for the VAR project.
According to SAFA, the money remains untouched in a separate account, together with interest accrued.
The association says it had already completed a technical assessment of VAR technology and identified three preferred service providers before receiving the funding. However, no contracts were signed.
The SAFA NEC subsequently approved the project in principle at its May meeting, but ordered further scrutiny of the budget, costs and procurement process before any commitments could be made.
SAFA has also held consultations with the Premier Soccer League (PSL) through the Joint Liaison Committee as it works on the proposed implementation framework.
Final 21-day deadline
SAFA acknowledged that its governance, financial verification and due diligence processes have taken longer than expected.
Following discussions with DSAC on 18 August, the department granted SAFA a final 21-day extension to complete the outstanding processes and submit a comprehensive report on the project.
The association says it remains committed to implementing VAR but wants the system introduced through proper governance and procurement procedures.
The dispute now leaves South African football with a pressing question: when will VAR finally arrive, and will the project survive the growing tension between SAFA and the Sports Ministry?
