SAFA confirms VAR project status amid implementation talks

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has provided clarity regarding the ongoing process to introduce the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system to PSL football, confirming that a dedicated project team is now managing the complex rollout.

Following widespread public discussion regarding the technology, SAFA’s Referees Department released a statement on Monday, confirming that the technology project is an official, high-priority initiative but is currently only in its “infancy stages of technical assessment, planning, and stakeholder alignment.”

VAR: Nedbank Cup Trial on the Horizon

Despite the early stages, indications suggest that the technology could undergo a trial run during the Nedbank Cup semi-finals later this season, marking the first time the Video Assistant Referee is used in a competitive local fixture.

The implementation process is being driven by an appointed VAR committee, which includes SAFA Head of Referees Abdul Ebrahim and is led by former international referee Daniel Bennett. The committee recently travelled to Spain to assess various international companies bidding to become the system supplier and to test operational requirements.

Official Updates Only Through Project Team

SAFA emphasised that the Project Team is the sole, authorised body to provide official updates on the system’s progress, which covers procurement, infrastructure development, and training.

The statement cautioned the public and stakeholders against relying on speculation, noting: “The VAR Project Team has not yet held formal briefings with the media to provide comprehensive updates. All official project developments… will be communicated by the Project Team in due course through the official SAFA Media Channels.”

SAFA urged stakeholders to rely only on official statements to ensure the receipt of “the most accurate and reliable updates.”