After months of promises, delays, and shifting timelines, South African football fans are still left wondering—when exactly is VAR coming to the Premier Soccer League?
Despite previous announcements that the technology would be introduced by April 2025, it turns out there’s still no money in place to make it happen.
McKenzie Promised It… But There’s Still No VAR
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has been vocal for over a year about bringing Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology to South African football.
He first revealed that R80 million had been allocated to get the system up and running.
But fast forward to now, and the tune has changed.
Speaking in Parliament this week, McKenzie admitted that no budget has actually been approved yet.
He’s now officially requested that the National Treasury release funds to the South African Football Association (SAFA) so the project can move forward.
The Minister Says VAR Is a “Necessity”
McKenzie didn’t shy away from explaining why VAR is important.
He argued that poor refereeing decisions have led to stadium vandalism and that South Africa risks losing out on global football partnerships because of it.
“The success of clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns puts us on the global stage,” he said. “But the lack of VAR is holding us back.
International teams hesitate to play here.”
But Wait—Didn’t He Already Say the Money Was There?
Earlier this year, McKenzie confidently told football fans that VAR would be rolled out by April, backed by a solid R80 million budget.
He even posted on X (formerly Twitter) saying, “VAR is coming. The money is available.”
Now? He’s backtracking slightly, explaining that the funds were never officially approved and claiming that paying for VAR without budget approval would have been “corruption.”
The current process, he insists, involves trying to shift money over to SAFA—but it hasn’t happened yet.
Fans Are Fed Up With the Flip-Flopping
Unsurprisingly, fans aren’t buying the excuses anymore.
Many took to social media to vent their frustration, accusing the minister of misleading the public.
One user tweeted,
“Different tune every week.
Just tell us if PSL will have VAR this season or not!”
Another pointed out the lack of private sponsorship, suggesting big brands like Castle or HONOR could step in to help—just like FNB did for rugby’s TMO system.
Others were more direct:
“VAR we won’t use it this season, bafo. Gayton lied to us,” one frustrated fan posted.
So, Will We Ever See VAR in South African Football?
Right now, it’s still unclear if the Premier Soccer League will get VAR this season—or even next.
With no official budget in place and no timeline confirmed, the dream of modernising officiating in local football continues to feel just out of reach.
Fans are left with more questions than answers, wondering when—or if—the promises made will actually become reality.