The Ministry of Sports has given an update on the state of Video Assistant Referee’s (VAR) implementation in the PSL.
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has been one of the loudest voices on the need for VAR to be immediately implemented in the PSL and he seems to have put his money where his mouth is.
The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture has revealed 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.
SAFA reveals tender process for VAR
“From a VAR point of view, a project is being put out and the tenders officially ran out. We have received two interested companies, one being international, one being local,” SAFA referee committee's Paulo Marx told the Sports Portfolio Committee when SAFA and ministry officials appeared before it on Tuesday.
“I cannot disclose the companies because it has not been finalised, the process still has to take place. What I can give you is the average of costs for your understanding for the implementation of VAR.
“We have received some proposals and FIFA is overseeing this whole process, they have to assist what they have decided to assist SAFA from a technical or advisory point.”
How much will it cost to have the technology?
Marx revealed that the average costs are between R8 million and R12 million which will cover a six-week training programme for 24 officials.
Meanwhile, the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture admitted that how the technology will be maintained and its costs are yet to be determined but it will include goal-line technology.
The Sports Ministry hopes to have VAR in place by the time the 2025-26 PSL season kicks off in August.
