The introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in South African football is once again under the spotlight following the recent high-profile clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns. The Soweto giants suffered a 2-1 loss in a game that left fans questioning key officiating decisions, fueling the debate over the implementation of the video assistant referee.
VAR Controversy Sparked by Chiefs vs Sundowns Clash
The moment that sparked outrage occurred when Iqraam Rayners scored what turned out to be the winning goal for Sundowns, but replays showed that Lucas Ribeiro was clearly offside in the build-up. Despite the assistant referee being in an ideal position, the goal was allowed to stand. A later disallowed goal by Kaizer Chiefs’ Ignacio Miguel also caused confusion, though it was eventually determined to be a correct call. These incidents have led to widespread calls for the video assistant referee to be introduced in South African football.
Sports Minister McKenzie Joins the Call
Adding weight to these calls, South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Gayton McKenzie, voiced his strong support for the immediate implementation of VAR. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), McKenzie stated, “All football-loving fans know that the time for VAR has arrived in SA football. We need VAR & we need it now.” He further mentioned that talks with the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the Premier Soccer League (PSL) are being prioritized, signalling that action is being taken at a governmental level.
McKenzie’s comments come after growing frustration from fans and clubs alike, who feel that inconsistent officiating is negatively affecting the quality of the game. While talks between SAFA and the PSL have been ongoing, concrete progress on it has yet to materialize.
Financial Hurdles and Technological Challenges
The primary barrier to introducing it in South African football appears to be the cost. Training between 16 to 20 officials could cost between R1.2 million and R1.5 million, while the annual costs to maintain and operate VAR technology could run up to R23 million, as is the case in countries like Morocco and Egypt. Given the financial state of South African football, this is seen as a significant investment.
Despite the hefty price tag, many argue that the long-term benefits—improving officiating standards and avoiding controversial moments like the one in the Chiefs vs Sundowns match—justify the expense. As McKenzie pointed out, “We are not a 10th world country,” signaling his determination to fast-track discussions and implement the system.
Will VAR Come Sooner Than Expected?
While the timeline for VAR implementation in South Africa remains uncertain, the increased pressure from both fans and high-ranking officials like Minister McKenzie could accelerate the process. Should the PSL and SAFA reach a consensus, South African football could soon see VAR introduced, potentially levelling the playing field and enhancing the overall fairness of the game.
Conclusion
The demand for VAR in South African football is growing louder with every controversial decision. With figures like Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie backing the movement, it’s clear that the pressure to introduce the technology is mounting. However, financial constraints and logistical challenges still stand in the way. Only time will tell whether South African football will join the ranks of other leagues that have embraced VAR, but one thing is certain: the calls for it are not going away anytime soon.
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