Zuko Komisa
- SAFA confirms the VAR project is a high-priority, complex initiative currently in its infancy stages of technical assessment and planning.
- A dedicated VAR Project Team is the sole authorised body to issue official updates on procurement, infrastructure, and training milestones.
- The public must rely only on official statements issued by this Project Team through SAFA’s official media channels.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) is actively progressing with the implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in local football.
While the initial statement confirmed the project was in its infancy, recent developments point to a clear roadmap and an initial rollout timeline.
SAFA has opted to pursue the full VAR system rather than the less comprehensive “VAR Lite” version.
VAR Project Leader, Daniel Bennett, confirmed this stance, stating the Premier Soccer League (PSL) requires the high standards of the full system, which typically involves more cameras and robust infrastructure.
- The project is currently focused on costing and budgeting after a delegation, including Mr. Bennett, undertook an official trip to Spain to inspect the operations of one of the shortlisted global VAR suppliers, Quality.
SAFA is in the process of selecting a service provider, having shortlisted four potential global companies:
- Quality (Spain)
- Hawkeye Innovations (United Kingdom)
- MediaPro (Portugal)
- Rigour (China)
The project has received crucial government backing, with Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, announcing that the National Treasury has approved an initial allocation of more than R20 million to support the rollout.
The most concrete step announced is the plan to test the VAR system during the upcoming season.
- Pilot Phase: The system is set to be trialled in the Nedbank Cup semifinals and final next year (May 2026).
- Full Rollout: The aim is for a full rollout of VAR to begin in the PSL during the 2026/27 season.
Minister McKenzie has confidently stated that South African football fans “will be seeing VAR” next year, emphasising the need for the system to be “foolproof” and for referees to be fully trained before its official introduction.
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