GAYTON MCKENZIE’S R82M CARROT TO PROCURE VAR IN SA!

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has allocated R82 million from his Ministry towards South Africa’s procurement and implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

The Minister commend SA Football Association’s dedication to this process and their prioritisation of transparency and Fifa compliance.

This funding will enable the swift development of a comprehensive project plan, training programmes for referees and officials, technology selection, stadium assessments, and the establishment of a VAR Training Centre.

He said a portion of the budget will be dedicated to providing reliable connectivity at relevant stadiums, ensuring seamless integration of the VAR system while also enhancing overall stadium safety, “for instance, by facilitating better communication in emergencies such as locating missing children”.

“The Department urges all stakeholders to proceed with urgency to ensure this allocation is utilised effectively within the current financial year, paving the way for VAR’s successful introduction in South African leagues,” he said through a statement.

These measures will undoubtedly contribute to the successful rollout of VAR, enhancing the integrity and quality of the PSL competitions.