It is expected that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology will start working next season in this country according to the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie.
McKenzie was speaking at a press conference at Freedom Park, Pretoria, on Wednesday where he elaborated on the programs affecting his Department.
Last year, the Department confirmed that it had put together a team to gather information on the needs of VAR, which was led by former local referee, Daniel Bennett.
This team visited Spain, in November last year, where they learned more about the operation of VAR, the companies that manage this technology, prices and more.
It turns out that there are companies to choose from, which are Quality from Spain, Hawkeye Innovations from the United Kingdom, MediaPro from Portugal and Rigour from China.
Although he did not specify which company will be used, McKenzie said that they as the Ministry have invested money in the organization that oversees football in the country, the South African Football Association (Safa) and it is in their hands to move forward.
“We have done everything. We are ready. We have kept our promise to bring VAR. Here in my hand I have the documents confirming that the Treasury has approved us to take the money and we have transferred it to Safa,” said McKenzie.
“All that remains is for Safa to pay for the VAR. There is nothing I can do. I have kept my promise and I don’t want to hear anyone asking me about the VAR. I have done my part. We have released the money for the VAR.”
This just happened, this season coaches including Manqoba Mngqithi of Lamontville Golden Arrows, Miguel Cardoso of Mamelodi Sundowns and Gavin Hunt of Stellenbosch FC have complained that VAR is needed at the top level of football in this country.
In November last year, Bennett revealed that VAR is intended to be tested in the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup to be played next month.