McKenzie gives SAFA 21 days to repay R13 million VAR money

Speaking to the media after the SA Sports Awards ceremony at Sun City on Sunday night, McKenzie warned that he would take the matter to FIFA, world football’s governing body, if SAFA fails to return the money.

The outspoken minister says he will do whatever it takes to recover the funds after SAFA failed to deliver on what he had requested. 

"FIFA's rules states clearly that VAR must be implemented through SAFA. I took journalists, administrators and the VAR research team to Spain and the UK for them to compare which option is the best one for us. I then allocated R13 million to SAFA - I can't do more as the minister.

"I wrote SAFA a letter requesting them to return my money, they then asked for 21 days grace. I am angry because what else can I do."

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McKenzie says he has uncovered many problems within SAFA and has accused some officials within the organisation of corruption.

He says while SAFA president Danny Jordaan often takes the blame, there are other influences and internal problems affecting the association.

McKenzie insists there are a few “rotten potatoes” within the organisation who need to be held accountable.

"All the problems at SAFA is blamed on Danny Jordaan, but there are people within that organisation that are gatekeepers and are corrupt, and they simply don't want VAR to happen. What is stopping this thing, what is stopping VAR?

"I can tell you now it's not Danny Jordaan, it's other individuals there that are blocking this thing and I will name them soon enough."

McKenzie has also rejected suggestions that taking the matter to FIFA amounts to political interference.

He says he is prepared to face the consequences, even if his actions lead to FIFA scrutiny of SAFA.