Sports Minister Steps Back From VAR Rollout

Minister Gayton McKenzie ceases direct involvement in VAR as officials cite regulatory and training delays.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Soccer

Sports Minister Steps Back From VAR Rollout

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Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has ended his direct oversight of the implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in South African football. The move follows consultations where South African Football Association (SAFA) officials clarified the extensive training and regulatory requirements needed for the system.

Why it matters

The delay highlights the complex structural and training demands required to adopt advanced officiating technology. SAFA maintains that proper implementation necessitates a formal tender process and sustainable long-term funding models to ensure operational success.

While R20 million in funding has been secured for the project, the programme requires a four-to-six-month training period for officials. Currently, eight referees have undergone training, but only four hold valid certifications.

The players

Gayton McKenzie

He is the South African Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture who provided the initial funding for the VAR project.

Lydia Monyepao

She is a SAFA official who highlighted the necessity of a four-to-six-month training period for VAR referees.

SAFA

The South African Football Association serves as the national governing body responsible for coordinating the implementation and training of football officials.

Luxolo Badi

He is one of the four currently certified VAR referees in South Africa.

Akhona Makalima

She is a FIFA-accredited referee who holds a valid certification for VAR usage.

The details

The rollout requires tight coordination between the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and various television broadcasters to ensure technical compatibility. Plans are in place to test the system across local leagues, including the Hollywoodbets Super League, the ABC Motsepe League, or the Nedbank Cup, ahead of full adoption.

The SAFA and FIFA officials held a meeting during the current week.
Referees are undergoing a training programme throughout the current season.
The country targets the year 2027 for the official use of VAR in local football.

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Season Trajectory

The introduction of VAR technology marks a significant shift in the competitive standards of the domestic league season. By aligning with international protocols, the move aims to modernize match officiating to reduce errors in critical high-stakes tournaments.

The current shortage of certified officials means VAR will remain unavailable for the immediate upcoming fixture list. Match results will continue to rely solely on on-field officiating until the training programme concludes in the coming season.

The takeaway

Technological advancement in sport requires more than just capital, as regulatory frameworks and staff certification remain the primary bottlenecks. Fans can anticipate that until the formal tender and testing phases are finalised, the officiating landscape will remain unchanged.