South Africa's Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, has demanded the return of R30 million in government funds from the South African Football Association (SAFA) over the stalled implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology. This financial dispute emerges as the national team sits second in its World Cup qualifying group, having taken four points from three matches with a recent form of one win, two draws, and two losses.
What triggered the demand for the money back?
Gayton McKenzie publicly questioned the absence of VAR in the Premier Soccer League for the 2026-27 season this week. He stated he gave R30 million, approximately $1.87 million, to SAFA specifically for the technology. "Bring back my money - the money of the state," McKenzie said, according to a report from africa.espn.com. He has written a formal letter to SAFA asking for the funds to be returned, to which the association requested a 21-day grace period. McKenzie added he is writing to FIFA and has already spoken with the global body.
What is the status of VAR in South Africa?
SAFA's head of referees, Abdul Ebrahim, confirmed the association received the government funding. "With regards to VAR, as was mentioned previously, we have received, everybody is aware we have received the funding," Ebrahim stated. He explained that discussions on the next steps are ongoing but approval from SAFA's National Executive Committee (NEC) is required before VAR training can commence. Ebrahim indicated VAR probably will not be ready for the start of the 2026-27 season but could be introduced in the latter stages if preparations go smoothly. A project team is already in place.
How does this affect the national team setup?
This controversy adds another layer of administrative tension for South African football. The national side's recent on-field results have been mixed, with a 0-1 loss to Canada in June contributing to a record of two goals scored and three conceded in qualifying. They trail group leaders Mexico by five points. Fans can track the team's progress on our standings page. McKenzie has a complex history with SAFA, sometimes criticizing and sometimes shielding the body. He defended SAFA president Danny Jordaan in this instance, claiming other individuals within the association are blocking VAR implementation and promising to name them soon.
What is the context of McKenzie's relationship with SAFA?
McKenzie took office in July 2024 as part of a coalition government led by his Patriotic Alliance. His approach to football governance has been described as both disruptive and supportive. Three months ago, Danny Jordaan recounted an incident after a 2-2 draw against Uganda in 2024 where McKenzie entered the dressing room to criticize the performance, upsetting then coach Hugo Broos. When the team later found success, McKenzie acknowledged the turnaround and offered support. Jordaan said the minister is now one of SAFA's biggest supporters on social media. However, McKenzie was also critical of SAFA for failing to finalize the appointment of Pitso Mosimane as national coach, which the NEC announced as the preferred candidate earlier in August.
What happens next for South African football?
The immediate next steps involve SAFA's response to the minister's financial demand and the ongoing process to potentially implement VAR. For the national team, the focus remains on World Cup qualification. Their next fixtures, which you can view on our fixtures page, will be critical to close the five-point gap at the top of the table. The unresolved coaching situation, with no further announcement since Pitso Mosimane was named the preferred candidate, also requires attention. The combination of this off-field dispute and the team's current standing of second place with four points means administrative clarity is needed to support the squad's campaign. Supporters can review the latest player information on our squad page.
