Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie says progress is being made to ensure that the Premier Soccer League(PSL) implements VAR (Video Assistant Referee).
VAR is expected to cost around R80 million for the initial setup and R70,000 per game. The minister said his department was looking to put deposit upfront and then get sponsors.
“We spoke specifically about VAR, we are now ready to move with VAR, 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,” Gayton told SABC Sport.
“From next week the ball is rolling with VAR and I want to thank the Safa NEC for the work that they have already done in as far as VAR is concerned.
“Yeah, I’m a man of timelines, it’s very expensive, the president of Safa is right and we can’t have Safa alone carry the bill. Soccer makes all of us happy, this is a national team,” the Sports Minister added.
“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.”
Gayton says first deposit for VAR is being paid soon
“We want our football to become better and VAR can make it better. Our timeline is next week we are meeting,” he continued.
“We have no time to play here, we must lead this space and we are leading this space and next week as I said to you, we are meeting Safa, after next week we are paying the first deposit, we are moving.”
South African Football Association president Danny Jordaan said plans were made with the sports department and PSL.
“We had a positive engagement with Minister (Gayton)McKenzie, and he has pledged his support for VAR’s implementation,” Jordaan confirmed.
“We will meet again with him and the PSL to finalise the plans. He has committed that the government will contribute financially.”
Gayton McKenzie has pressed for the introduction of VAR since last month after the Kaizer Chiefs/Mamelodi Sundowns game.
Will VAR be introduced this season by the PSL?
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