PSL seeks more clarity before fully participating in VAR rollout

The matter was discussed during a Parliamentary Portfolio Committee briefing on Sport, Arts and Culture. SABC Sport were part of the delegation that recently travelled to Spain on a fact-finding mission.

The group included the newly appointed SAFA VAR project team leader, Daniel Bennet, and Minister Gayton McKenzie’s special advisor, Charles Cilliers.

But Khoza says they still need more clarity...

"Where we are as a league, it is difficult to make a contribution to this meeting. The money has been made available to implement VAR, but at this point, there are two bits of outstanding information we have not received yet so that's why we won't be able to add value to this meeting," explained Khoza. 

Four potential suppliers are under consideration for South Africa: Hawk-Eye Innovations from the UK, Portugal’s MediaPro, Rigour from China and Spain’s Quality Media.

With all these developments around, Khoza, before they were released from yesterday’s meeting, continued to seek more information...

"It is very important for us to engage on these matters with the association and with the minister so that we err on the side of caution to make sure that we answer the questions the committee wants us to answer."

Although the PSL has expressed enthusiasm about the developments, its participation in parts of yesterday’s meeting was measured, and the league sought greater clarity on aspects such as the funding structure and operational responsibilities, as Khoza explains...

"The ministers statement on the 4th of September was good news, and we want to make sure that we follow up on that statement, but what currently makes us uncomfortable is that our funding model is very sensitive. Right now, we are funded by broadcast rights, which will now be owned by a new company. Whether the funding is still going to be there heading into the future, we are not sure. We are also not certain of every expense VAR will bring."

READ: Golden Arrows dispute with Knox Mutizwa triggers FIFA ban

According to Khoza, who is also the SAFA Vice-president, the PSL has previously explored VAR implementation through its broadcast partner SuperSport, but was unable to proceed as SAFA was not ready at the time.

The rollout now enters a technical phase, which will include final quotations for hardware, software and operational costs.

National Treasury has confirmed an initial allocation of more than R20 million to support the introduction of VAR in the current financial year. Khoza says they welcome the good move and the Ministry's intentions.

Current projections aim to pilot the system during the Nedbank Cup semifinals and final next year.

SAFA already has several CAF- and FIFA-accredited VAR match officials, making a soft launch feasible once infrastructure and technical suppliers are confirmed.

SAFA Head of Referees Abdul Ebrahim was asked by the members of parliament if they had fully briefed the PSL about the new developments, and this is how he responded...

"A meeting needs to be held with all the necessary stakeholders who are going to be involved in VAR. Hence, the project team is doing all of its fact finding at the moment so that when that meeting is held, all the information can be provided to all stakeholders - of which the PSL is a very important one.

"We have to get the buy-in from the PSL, and that engagement still needs to take place."