SA Sports minister McKenzie turns to FIFA as SAFA's VAR delay in PSL sparks fresh anger

Despite years of calls from supporters and football stakeholders for VAR to be introduced, the PSL has entered another season without the technology in operation.

McKenzie, who had previously committed to seeing VAR implemented, says he has reached the limit of what he can do after providing financial support and facilitating efforts to identify the best system for South African football.

The minister revealed that R13 million was made available to the South African Football Association (SAFA) for the project.

He also said he arranged for journalists, administrators and other stakeholders to visit Spain and the United Kingdom to examine how VAR is used and assess which approach could work best in South Africa.

However, with no implementation taking place, McKenzie has questioned why the project remains stalled.

"Let me tell you what's happening with VAR. FIFA's rules state clearly that it has to happen through the South African Football Association," McKenzie told the media.

"I then took R13 million, and I gave it to SAFA. And I can tell you now, that's where I can't do more as the minister."

McKenzie said he subsequently wrote to SAFA demanding the return of the state funds, while the football association requested 21 days to respond and take action.

The minister has now decided to take the dispute beyond South African football's governing structures by engaging FIFA directly.

"Now I'm writing to FIFA. I have already spoken to FIFA. But I'm writing to them," he said.

"They want me to write; I must go another way to get VAR, and I'm going to do that. There shall be VAR in the PSL."

McKenzie also apologised to football supporters, acknowledging the growing frustration surrounding the delays.

"I want to apologise to the people. I've been let down terribly," he added.

The latest development places renewed pressure on SAFA to deliver answers over the stalled project, while McKenzie's decision to involve FIFA could take the VAR dispute to a new level.

For now, South African football remains without a technology that has become commonplace in many major leagues, leaving match officials to continue making crucial decisions without VAR assistance.