As the debate over Video Assistant Referee [VAR] in South Africa’s Betway Premiership heats up, the cost of implementing the technology has come to light, adding a new dimension to the discussions between SAFA and the PSL. South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has been vocal about implementing the technology in recent weeks.
He believes introducing the technology will revolutionise officiating in the Betway Premiership. This move comes after mounting concerns over questionable decisions in recent matches, prompting calls for improved accuracy and fairness.
While the exact cost remains under investigation, initial estimates place the figure at a substantial R70-80 million for initial setup and R70,000 per game after that. Despite the high price tag, McKenzie emphasises the importance of VAR in elevating the standard of South African football.
“We are now ready to move with VAR,” McKenzie was quoted by SABC Sport. “We are going to put the deposit down as the department, and we will then get sponsors to pay for it, but we can’t wait.”
The government has expressed its commitment to supporting the implementation of VAR. “We as government are willing, the government of national unity will definitely put in the bulk of that money together with sponsorships, together with SAFA themselves and together with people that love football.”
In a post on X, McKenzie broke down the cost of implementing the technology.
“The cost is 70-80 million once, 70 thousand per game. I think the journalist misunderstood me. These are the figures that we were told. We will investigate these amounts. VAR is crucial to have. I’m told Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria already have it,” McKenzie wrote.
SAFA boss Danny Jordaan confirmed their commitment to the full VAR system, rejecting the ‘VAR Lite’ option some other African nations adopted.
“We had a good engagement with the minister, he’s committed to support the implementation of VAR,” Jordaan was quoted by the national broadcaster. “We will meet now again with him and the PSL and finalise the plan for going forward but he’s made the commitment that he will make sure that there is a contribution from the government. So, we are very happy about that.”
The introduction of VAR is expected to significantly enhance the accuracy of officiating decisions, reducing controversies and ensuring fair play in the Betway Premiership.
