SAFA’s Abdul Ebrahim gives update on imminent VAR implementation in PSL

Abdul Ebrahim, Head of Referees at SAFA, has given a fresh update regarding the imminent implementation of VAR in the PSL.

The subpar standard of officiating in SA football has been a contentious issue throughout this season and many preceding ones. Questionable decisions have sparked several controversies in the league.

This has fueled calls for the introduction of VAR technology.

Ebrahim, who leads the refereeing department within SAFA, revealed that they have received approval to develop a comprehensive budget for VAR implementation. 

He acknowledged that training referees and technical personnel would be a significant hurdle.

While FIFA recommends a six-week training course for referees to be VAR competent, SAFA is proposing a shorter program of two or three-week intensive sessions to accommodate all stakeholders, including referees, technical staff, and broadcasters.

EBRAHIM GIVES LATEST ON PLANS TO IMPLEMENT VAR 

“It’s a matter of getting necessary permissions, SAFA being the mother and PSL being the professional wing; the two parties had to sit down, which they have,” said Ebrahim.

“We had a meeting last week and we have been asked as the referee’s committee and the referees’ department to put together a comprehensive budget so that everybody can see what it is that is involved in getting VAR underway in South Africa.

“The thing is we mustn’t be too much in a hurry to get VAR here because the training that needs to be done is extensive. 

“The minimum recommendation from FIFA is a six-week course. And I don’t think anybody is going to sit in a six-week course doing…

“What we want to propose is maybe three, two-week session because referees need to be trained, technical people need to be trained. And we need to sit with broadcasters.

“So, there’s a lot that goes into the implementation of VAR, but the good thing is we have been given the green light to put a comprehensive budget proposal together.

“And we keep our fingers crossed this happens sooner rather than later.”

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