Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has expressed anger and frustration at the South African Football Association for the lack of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) implementation in the PSL.
McKenzie confirmed in the last football season he had given the Association money to implement the technology however football authorities felt at that moment, time wasn’t sufficient for the implementation with suggestions it could be done this term.
However, the new season started already and there have been cases that some coaches in the Betway Premiership, fans and pundits alike felt could have been dealt better with VAR.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the 19th South Africa Sport Awards ceremony in Sun City on Sunday, McKenzie said he’s given SAFA an ultimatum to return the money as they haven’t implemented VAR.
“I then took R13 million and I gave to SAFA and I can tell you now, that’s where I can’t do more as the minister,” said McKenzie.
“I wrote SAFA a letter where I said they should return my money, and SAFA asked for 21 days grace. I am just as angry because what more can I do?
“I asked them in the letter to bring back my money, the money of the state, because I am responsible for it. They said they will act within 21 days because for me, there was no action. We were supposed to have had VAR.
“So, people shouldn’t look at me. I’m the Minister that put it on the table that VAR should be there. I did everything humanly possible.
“If now I’m writing to FIFA, I’ve already spoken to FIFA but I’m writing to them, they want it in writing that I must go another way to get VAR.”
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