IT’S OFFICIAL – MCKENZIE STEPS AWAY FROM VAR DISPUTE!

Sports Minister says he has done his part to bring Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to South African football, with the SA Football Association (SAFA) now expected to follow the necessary processes after confirming that the R20 million is safe in its possession.

Gayton McKenzie, Sports, Arts and Culture Minister, has officially stepped away from the controversial Video Assistant Referee (VAR) project, declaring that he has done his part and that responsibility for bringing the technology to South African football now rests with the Safa.

Addressing the media at the Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum in Tshwane on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, McKenzie acknowledged that the R20 million allocated towards the project is with SAFA and indicated that the association is now on track to advance the process.

This is an McKenzie’s turn around after demanding that Safa pay back the R20m after they failed to meet the deadline set by the Minister.

The development marks a significant shift in the minister’s position following weeks of tension over delays in implementing VAR, which had initially prompted him to demand the return of the money.

“For now, McKenzie’s job is done. The next move belongs to Safa,” he said.

McKenzie said he had exhausted his responsibilities as minister, having secured funding, facilitated international benchmarking and pushed for the introduction of the technology into the domestic game.

“I went to Spain and came back with a full report. Then I had to convince Treasury to allocate money for the project. After the money was released by Treasury, I gave the money to the Safa CEO Lydia Monyepao. There is nothing more I can do more as minister,” he said.

The minister maintained that his department had done what was required to get the project moving and that Safa must now take responsibility for completing the outstanding processes.

“Our football needs VAR,” McKenzie said, signaling his intention to leave the technical and administrative implementation of the project in the hands of the football authorities.

SAFA HEADS INTO CRUCIAL FIFA ENGAGEMENT!

SAFA is scheduled to meet Fifa on Thursday, 15 October, to open discussions aimed at securing the necessary approvals and advancing the introduction of VAR in South Africa.

The meeting represents an important step in a process that requires more than purchasing equipment. It involves technical assessments, referee training, compliance with Fifa requirements and coordination with key football stakeholders.

Safa has indicated that referee training and the necessary technical and procurement processes will be central to the next phase. The association has also outlined a phased approach, with controlled trials to precede any broader implementation.

While the meeting does not automatically guarantee an immediate rollout, it could provide greater clarity on the requirements and timeline for introducing the technology into local competitions.

For supporters who have repeatedly questioned controversial refereeing decisions in the Betway Premiership and domestic cup competitions, the prospect of progress will be welcomed.

MCKENZIE TURNS ATTENTION TO SAFA’S LEADERSHIP!

Although he expressed frustration with Safa’s communication in the past, McKenzie congratulated president Danny Jordaan on his re-election and called on the association to improve the way it communicates the successes of South African football.

He criticised Safa for responding more readily to negative developments than to the achievements of the country’s players.

“The boys and Banyana Banyana (national teams) are winning and Safa doesn’t talk about them. They respond to bad news,” he said.

McKenzie argued that the association had secured sponsorships and should do more to promote the game, its players and its achievements.

His remarks underline a broader expectation that Safa should strengthen its administration and public communication as it works to advance the VAR project.

NEW PHASE FOR VAR IN SOUTH AFRICA!

McKenzie’s decision to step aside does not mean that the VAR project has been abandoned. Instead, it places the responsibility for the next phase squarely on Safa, which must navigate the technical, financial and regulatory requirements necessary for implementation.

The minister has made it clear that his contribution was to secure funding and push for the project to happen. The responsibility now lies with Safa to engage Fifa complete the required processes and establish a workable implementation plan.

After months of public disagreement, the focus is shifting away from the dispute between the minister and SAFA towards a more important question – how soon can VAR become a reality in South African football?