Sports Minister Geyton Mackenzie has given SAFA 21 days to provide an accounting of the funds allocated for implementing the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in South African football, amounting to 13 million rand.
Mackenzie stated that he demanded the return of these funds after being disappointed by the lack of progress in implementing the technology in the Premier League. The Minister actively participated in efforts to introduce VAR into local football amid growing demands following a series of controversial refereeing decisions in the Betway Premiership.
Speaking to the press after the 19th South African Sports Conference in Sandton, North West province, on Sunday, Mackenzie announced that his department had officially sent a letter to SAFA regarding this matter. The association responded by requesting a 21-day grace period to resolve the situation.
Mackenzie explained that as minister, he took two steps: he organized trips for journalists, administrators, and the team to Spain and the UK to compare best practices. He emphasized that he subsequently transferred 13 million rand to SAFA and could do no more within his capacity.
The Minister noted that his frustration reached a point where he felt it necessary to demand the return of public funds. He clarified that he wrote to SAFA demanding the money back, and the association requested 21 days to settle the issue because no action had been taken.
Despite this, Mackenzie insists on his intention to achieve VAR implementation, even if it requires seeking help outside of SAFA. He stated that he himself initiated the discussion about the need for VAR and did everything possible.
Furthermore, Mackenzie leveled serious accusations against certain individuals within SAFA whom he believes are obstructing the process. He claimed that there are corrupt 'gatekeepers' within SAFA who do not want VAR to appear. He intends to name two officials who, in his opinion, are blocking the introduction of VAR. Mackenzie concluded by giving SAFA these 21 days but advised them to monitor what happens after this period expires.