The South African Football Association (SAFA) says the R20 million received from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) for the implementation of VAR has not been spent.
DSAC transferred the money to SAFA in April 2026 to support the VAR project in South African football.

SAFA says it had already completed a technical evaluation of VAR technology and service providers before receiving the funding. Three preferred providers were identified, but no contracts were signed.
The SAFA National Executive Committee (NEC) approved the VAR project in principle at its May meeting.

However, the NEC ordered further reviews of the project budget, cost assumptions and procurement process before any commitments could be made.
SAFA has also consulted the Premier Soccer League through the Joint Liaison Committee and presented the project to the JLC and PSL Executive Committee.

The association admitted that the processes have taken longer than expected.
However, it stressed that “the R20 million received from DSAC has not been spent.”

SAFA said the full amount remains “secure in a separate account, together with the interest accrued.”

Following discussions with DSAC on 18 August, the department granted SAFA a final 21-day extension to complete the outstanding processes and submit a comprehensive report.
SAFA says it remains committed to implementing VAR in a manner that is “transparent, financially responsible” and compliant with governance and procurement requirements.

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