SAFA president Danny Jordaan has given an update on the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
A week ago, the PSL chairman Irvin Khoza revealed that the implementation of the technology system aimed at eradicating refereeing mistakes in local football is lying squarely at SAFA’s doorsteps.
Several top leagues in the world have already started using VAR and consistent mistakes by match officials in the PSL have increased pressure to install in South Africa.
Speaking to the media during the launch of this year’s Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Championships, Jordaan said they have had meetings with the PSL to discuss the matter of VAR.
While the president couldn’t say when will VAR be implemented, he said its introduction is a complex matter.
“No, it’s not us and them. We’ve been working together on this project,” Jordaan said.
“We have already had three meetings and the final issue is clearly the broadcasters must be involved.
“Because they (broadcasters) have to bring the broadcast as part of the VAR operation.
“The broadcast element is very important and that is the essence of VAR. If you don’t have a broadcast, you don’t have VAR.
“We have to look across all of the matches, speak to the broadcaster and make sure there’s adequate coverage of every element of the match.
“And then finally we have to settle on the budget. It also going to cost money and we have to agree on the budget.”
Jordaan said even if broadcasters were to come on board immediately, there would still be a need to source funding for the project.
“If the broadcasters agree, then we have to look at the budget because the PSL play over 200 matches a year and if it costs R70 000 a match, for VAR you can do the sums,” Jordaan said.
“We have to secure the funding because once we introduce VAR it must work, and it must work well.”
