Johann Plenge backs VAR expansion in top leagues

Speaking during a virtual media press conference on Wednesday afternoon ahead of the club’s “Re Kaofela” tour to South Africa, Plenge encouraged the country’s efforts to introduce VAR in the Premier Soccer League.

Plenge acknowledged that the process of implementing the officiating technology can be lengthy and often attracts public scrutiny from local football communities. However, he believes that despite the criticism, VAR remains a necessary innovation to help advance football.

"We need an institution that helps everyone involved, the referees, the players, and the coaches to accept that there are right and wrong decisions. The VAR will offer a better balance in decisions. 

"Of course there are still decisions that are discussed and sometimes there are situations when it might take a bit too long to have the exact VAR decision in place, but in the end, this technology is in favour of having a more balanced and competitive competition."

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Plenge also spoke about the growth of the South African topflight, highlighting Premier Soccer League as a competition that continues to attract international attention. 

While the Bundesliga outfit is set to face Mamelodi Sundowns in a friendly match - during the club’s first-ever post-season tour of South Africa - Plenge says their interest extends beyond a single club and includes broader engagement with the local football landscape.

When asked about the possibility of RB Leipzig establishing a team in South Africa in the future, this is what Plenge had to say…

"We really want to leave a footprint and we'll come back from time to time. There are many ways for us to interact with this country and the football community, but there are no actual plans for us to enlarge our multi-club ownership and have an additional club, but never say never."