Has Gayton McKenzie failed to deliver on VAR promise?

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has raised concerns over the readiness of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in South Africa ahead of the upcoming Premier Soccer League (PSL) season.

This comes despite repeated assurances over the past year that VAR would be introduced in time.

Addressing Parliament earlier this week, McKenzie stated that the government is “still finalising the process of funding VAR”, a statement that contradicts his earlier comments where he claimed the necessary R90 million was already secured.

“We are finalising the process of funding VAR to ensure that football matches, from the Premier Soccer League through to international fixtures we host, are fairer and meet global standards,” said McKenzie.

‘Assured the public’

The minister has previously visited Spain to test the technology and assured the public that VAR implementation was imminent.

However, his latest remarks have left supporters confused and sceptical.

“Let’s give SAFA a chance to finalise,” he added.

“There will be VAR in our soccer in South Africa.”

McKenzie initially championed the call for VAR following controversial refereeing decisions in a high-profile match between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.

His vocal support led fans to believe the technology would be introduced this year.

Despite this, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has yet to provide a formal rollout timeline or details on referee training and infrastructure readiness.

Football fans and stakeholders are now questioning whether the long-awaited technology will be in place for the 2025/26 PSL season.