Waiting Game Ends? Major VAR Update Expected From SAFA & Gayton McKenzie
South African football could finally be on the verge of receiving long-awaited clarity regarding the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, with Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie confirming that an important announcement will be made on Wednesday.
After years of debate and months of uncertainty, the issue of VAR remains one of the most discussed topics in local football. Supporters, clubs and players have repeatedly called for the technology to be introduced following several controversial officiating decisions across domestic competitions.
The latest development comes as the Betway Premiership season is already in full swing, leaving many questioning when South Africa will finally join other major football nations in implementing the system.
McKenzie has now raised expectations by confirming that a media briefing involving the South African Football Association (SAFA) will take place on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, in Pretoria.
The briefing is scheduled for 14:00 at the Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum and will also involve Deputy Minister Peace Mabe, according to an official invitation circulated ahead of the event.
While the official communication does not explicitly state that VAR will be launched, football stakeholders are expecting a significant update on the technology and its potential implementation in South African football.
The timing of the briefing is noteworthy given the growing pressure on football authorities to modernise refereeing standards and reduce the number of contentious decisions influencing match outcomes.
Calls for VAR have intensified in recent seasons, particularly in the Premier Soccer League, where several high-profile incidents have sparked debate among coaches, players and supporters.
The introduction of VAR has long been viewed as a complex process due to the financial, technical and training requirements needed to meet FIFA’s standards for implementation.
Questions have also remained over who would fund the technology, how quickly officials could be trained and whether the necessary infrastructure is available at stadiums across the country.
Despite those challenges, optimism has been growing in recent months following ongoing discussions between government, SAFA and other football stakeholders regarding the feasibility of introducing the system.
Should Wednesday’s announcement provide a clear roadmap, it could mark one of the most significant developments in South African football administration in recent years and potentially reshape the officiating landscape across domestic competitions.
For now, supporters will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of the Pretoria briefing, hoping that the latest update finally provides answers on when VAR will become a reality in South African football.