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South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie says he handed SAFA R30 million for VAR implementation and is now demanding it back after seeing no progress
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SAFA gave itself 21 days to respond after McKenzie’s written demand for the funds to be returned
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SAFA’s head of referees says VAR is unlikely to arrive in the PSL this season, with a possible late-season introduction at best
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McKenzie says he has escalated the matter to FIFA and has been asked to put his complaint in writing
August 25, (THEWILL) — Gayton McKenzie isn’t waiting quietly anymore. South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture used the South African Sports Awards in Sun City to renew his frustration over the continued absence of VAR in the Premier Soccer League, and this time he’s putting a number on his patience running out.
“I took R30 million, and I gave it to SAFA”, McKenzie told reporters at the event, confirming that figure after earlier reports had quoted a smaller R13 million. He later clarified the correct amount to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee of Sport, Arts & Culture, according to SABC Sport’s Velile Mnyandu.
McKenzie says he’s done what he can from his end. “I can tell you now: I can’t do more as the minister”, he said, revealing he’s written directly to the South African Football Association demanding the money be sent back. SAFA, in response, asked for 21 days to act.
That grace period appears to have tested McKenzie’s patience rather than settled it. “I am just as angry as anyone because what more can I do?” he said. “I asked them in the letter: bring back my money, the money of the state, because I am responsible for it. They said they will act. For me, there was no action.”
The PSL oversees South Africa’s top two divisions, the Premiership and the Motsepe Foundation Championship, but match officials fall under SAFA’s jurisdiction, meaning any VAR rollout has to run through the association rather than the league itself.
SAFA’s head of referees, Abdul Ebrahim, addressed the delay about a month ago, confirming the government funding had landed but explaining that internal sign-off was still needed before training could begin. “We have to get approval from the leadership, which is the National Executive Committee, and once that approval is received, then we can commence with our training sessions,” Ebrahim said, adding bluntly that a rollout for the current season was unlikely. He left open the possibility of VAR arriving “in the latter stages of the season” if things progress smoothly.
Frustrated with the pace, McKenzie says he’s taken the issue over SAFA’s head. “Now, I’m writing to FIFA. I’ve already spoken to FIFA, but they said that I must put it in writing,” he confirmed.
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Despite the pointed criticism, McKenzie was careful to separate the delay from SAFA president Danny Jordaan personally, insisting the holdup sits elsewhere within the organisation. “I can tell you now it’s not Danny Jordaan; it’s other individuals there that are blocking this thing and I will name them soon enough”, he said.
The relationship between McKenzie and SAFA has been anything but predictable since he took office in July 2024. He’s alternated between public criticism and public defence of the association, a pattern that played out earlier this year when he initially demanded accountability after Teboho Mokoena played while suspended in a World Cup qualifier loss to Lesotho, only to later accept SAFA’s explanation that a team official had missed the yellow card while stepping away to fetch ice.
McKenzie, who leads the Patriotic Alliance within South Africa’s coalition government, has also been vocal about SAFA’s stalled appointment of Pitso Mosimane as national team coach, suggesting pay negotiations are behind the holdup. SAFA has yet to give a further update on the appointment beyond confirming that “loose ends” remain.
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
