VAR implementation hits a snag as PSL boss pleads ignorance

The anticipated introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology into South African football has stalled once again after Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman Dr Irvin Khoza declined to answer questions on the matter before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture on Monday.

Dr Khoza requested to be excused from the session, stating he lacked the necessary information to comment authoritatively, citing a lack of proper consultation between the league, the South African Football Association (SAFA), and the Department of Sport.

PSL Left Out of Fact-Finding Mission

The controversy stems from a recent trip spearheaded by Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, who last weekend dispatched a SAFA project team, including former referee Daniel Bennett, on a fact-finding mission to Spain to engage potential VAR suppliers.

Dr Khoza confirmed that the PSL, the primary league where VAR would be implemented, was not involved in this crucial fact-finding process.

“Where we are as the league, it is difficult to make a contribution in this meeting,” Khoza told the committee. “We thought it was going to be fair that we come here in one voice with the national association and there are meetings outstanding with the minister.”

Financial and Technical Uncertainties

While Dr Khoza confirmed that Minister McKenzie had previously shared “good news” in September 2024 about potential funding for VAR, the PSL remains uncertain about the crucial operational details.

Khoza stressed that he needs to understand the full financial scope before proceeding:

“Whether the funding is going to be there or not going into the future, we are not sure. But more importantly, at this point we are not sure what the incidental expenses are that go with VAR.”

He further highlighted the league’s sensitive financial model, which is tied to broadcasting rights now controlled by new ownership, adding another layer of complexity to future financial commitments.

The Full VAR vs. VAR Lite Question

The PSL Chairman also questioned the technical specification of the proposed system, stating, “Also we are not sure if it is full VAR or light VAR.” He emphasised that speaking without this clarity would be “shooting in the dark and talking past each other.”

SAFA Head of Referees, Abdul Ebrahim, acknowledged the oversight, conceding that the PSL is an “extremely important stakeholder” and that a meeting to secure their “buy-in” still needs to take place after the current fact-finding mission concludes.

Dr Khoza concluded his submission by stressing that while the PSL supports the principle of VAR, they require clarity on funding, operational costs, and the specific technology before they can confidently engage parliament.

“I don’t think we are ready as the PSL to participate because there is information we don’t have,” he said.