Deputy Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Peace Mabe has confirmed a scheduled meeting with the South African Football Association [SAFA] to account for the persistent delays in rolling out Video Assistant Referee [VAR] technology in local football.
The upcoming meeting comes after the expiry of a 21-day ultimatum issued by Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie. In August, the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture sent a formal letter to SAFA, seeking a detailed progress update on the rollout of the VAR, in partnership with the Premier Soccer League [PSL].
To speed up the project, the South African government allocated R82 million in September last year to support the introduction of VAR in the country.
SAFA EXPECTED TO REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION BLOCKAGES
Speaking to journalists in KwaZulu-Natal earlier this week, Mabe explained that while the 21-day ultimatum has elapsed, government obligations and the recent SAFA elections delayed direct engagements. However, SAFA will now be required to present a full report detailing what’s holding back the system.
“Yes, the minister did put a 21-day ultimatum, but because of the elections and other things, I think that’s why SAFA could not focus,” Mabe said. “But I know that we have a scheduled meeting with SAFA for them to come and present to us what the blockage is.”
Mabe further clarified that financial resources are not the issue hindering the project, confirming that funds have already been disbursed to the South African football governing body.
“The money is there; the minister did even show the proof of payment that the money has been transferred to SAFA. So, we are waiting for SAFA to just settle,” she added.
“They will have to come to us and, of course, report to the nation as to how far they are with the implementation of VAR.”
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