South African fans hoping to see VAR used in the PSL next season will have to wait a little longer after SAFA head of referees said the technology can only be implemented in phases.
There has been a push to have VAR used in the PSL as soon as next season with Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie confirming that his office is working towards actualising this.
The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture revealed to Parliament early in the week that R90 million has been set aside for the project but what is holding its rollout is a tender process that has been initiated by SAFA, which has so far received two bids.
However, SAFA head of refereeing department Abdul Ebrahim says a full implementation of VAR next season is impossible due a number of issues, key among them a lack of capacity.
Full VAR implementation far from being realised
“The VAR was not tested in any South African matches; at the moment, it remains exactly where it was—nothing has moved,” Ebrahim told KickOff.
“The government has promised assistance, but we haven't heard anything from them, so everyone is still waiting for Minister McKenzie and his department.
“As far as refereeing is concerned, we are ready, but beyond that, there is nothing more we can add.”
Ebrahim says VAR can only be implemented in phases in South Africa given it will need a lot of training, hinting at having it only in cup games or in selected PSL matches.
Which matches would the technology be used?
“The tender process has been completed, and the tender committee needs to be established to make a decision. They need to go through the tender process, and obviously, they will select a service provider from there,” he added.
“It's possible for the PSL to have VAR next season, but only in certain matches; we will not be able to implement VAR in the league because a lot of training is still needed. There is a possibility in cup games, yes, but not for the league.”
When SAFA and Sports Ministry officials appeared before Parliament’s Sports Portfolio Committee, SAFA referee committee's Paulo Marx revealed that the average costs are between R8 million and R12 million which will cover a six-week training programme for 24 officials.
