R20m untouched as sports department sets SAFA-VAR saga straight
SAFA has until 9 September to explain the unutilised R20 million allocated for VAR, as the Sport Ministry demands accountability amid ongoing refereeing controversies.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) faces pressure to account for R20 million in funding allocated for the implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has confirmed that the funds remain untouched as of August 2025, with only R765,257.03 spent on a technical fact-finding mission to Spain.
SAFA submitted a Request for Proposals in April 2025 and established a tender evaluation committee before aligning the process with FIFA’s VAR Implementation Assistance and Approval Programme. SAFA submitted an amended three-year implementation plan in November 2025, with match-official training set to begin in July 2026, and full rollout planned for the 2027/28 season.
SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao has assured that the funds remain intact and requested an additional 21 days to complete internal budget verification, with a final report required by September 9. Failure to provide a satisfactory report may result in the sports department recovering the funds and exploring alternative routes with FIFA and CAF.
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