The South African Football Association (SAFA) has been granted a final 21-day extension by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) to complete its processes around the implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology.
This follows growing scrutiny over the R20 million transferred to SAFA by DSAC in April 2026 to support the VAR project.
SAFA said the full amount remains unspent and secured in a separate account, together with interest accrued.
The association said it had already completed a technical assessment of VAR technology and service providers before receiving the funding and identified three preferred providers. However, no contracts were concluded.
At its 9–10 May meeting, the SAFA National Executive Committee approved the VAR project in principle but ordered further scrutiny of the proposed budget, cost estimates and procurement process before any contractual commitments could be made.
The project has also been discussed with the Premier Soccer League (PSL) through the Joint Liaison Committee, with the VAR Project Team making presentations to the committee and PSL Executive Committee.
SAFA acknowledged that its governance, financial verification and due diligence processes had taken longer than anticipated.
Following an engagement with DSAC on 18 August, the department granted the association a final 21-day extension to conclude the outstanding work and submit a comprehensive report.
The report is expected to include recommendations arising from the review, as well as confirmation of the funds held.
SAFA said it appreciates the continued support from the minister and DSAC and remains committed to introducing VAR in a manner that is transparent, financially responsible, compliant with procurement and governance requirements, and sustainable.
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