SAFA Clarifies Status of VAR Implementation in South African Football

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has moved to clarify the status of its Video Assistant Referee (VAR) project following heightened public interest and ongoing discussions about the technology’s introduction to local football.

According to SAFA’s Referees Department, working together with the dedicated VAR Project Team, the initiative remains in its early stages. The project is described as a “complex, high-priority” undertaking that is currently undergoing technical assessments, planning, and alignment with key stakeholders.

SAFA confirmed that a specialised VAR Project Team is overseeing the full implementation process, which includes procurement, infrastructure rollout and referee training. This team is the only authorised body permitted to issue official updates on the project’s progress.

The association emphasised that no formal media briefings on VAR have been held yet, and urged the public to rely solely on announcements released through SAFA’s official media platforms. All future developments, milestones and timelines will be communicated through planned engagements once the project reaches the appropriate stage.

SAFA encouraged stakeholders and supporters to be patient, noting that accurate information will be shared directly by the organisation to avoid misinformation and confusion.