Mckenzie sets April 2025 as VAR deadline

Sport Minister, Gayton McKenzie, has set April 2025 as his deadline for the introduction and implementation of VAR in the country.

McKenzie has been vocal about the Premier Soccer League (PSL) having the technology, saying that for a country as developed as South Africa not having the system is disappointing.

Speaking on the SHSI Podcast, McKenzie said the technology should be in Mzansi in the second quarter of next year.

“VAR, I’m going to make the money available; everyone always asks me when is VAR coming? Let me tell you for the first time, it’s coming in April next year. I’ll bring it to our football because it’s needed,” he said.

The option that the Minister is eying is set to cost R80 million once-off and R70 000 per match.

McKenzie has, however, been quick to defend the cost of the exercise.

“We are the richest league in Africa. We have sponsors, I will put down the first money. We need to move with the times, do you want our kids to also play without VAR? Let’s do it now!”

WATCH] Sport Minister @GaytonMcK
Gayton McKenzie has set April 2025 as his deadline to have VAR introduced to South African football.

The Minister says there’s no reason why South Africa should not have the technology. pic.twitter.com/boKJltQIEW

— Ntsako Mkhari (@Ntsako_Mkhari_) November 29, 2024