Video Assistant Referee (VAR): When It Could Be Implemented in South African Football

• Victor Gomes has weighed in on when South African football supporters can expect VAR to be introduced for local fixtures
• South African Football Association’s Referees Committee Chairperson, Gomes, doesn't believe VAR will solve everything
• There have been numerous calls for VAR technology to make an appearance in South Africa to stop some teams from benefitting unfairly

The use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in South Africa could make its debut during the Nedbank Cup final.

South Africans have long since called for the implementation of the technology in the country, and they could finally be getting their wish.

Speaking to Robert Marawa on his MSW Podcast, the South African Football Association’s Referees Committee Chairperson, Victor Gomes touched on the issue.

A world-renowned ref, Gomes admitted that SAFA were considering implementing VAR during the cup final. He previously spoke about the introduction of VAR in the country and also touched on how loadshedding could possibly affect it.

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While that is exciting news for many, Gomes added that the rollout would take time.

As noted by EWN, he explained that they have approached FIFA and are waiting for their request to be signed off and for a project manager to be appointed.

“A full introduction into the league could only take place in the next three years or so. If we go with a blanket rollout, then we haven’t tested it properly,” he said.

He added that VAR would not solve all the problems with refereeing in the country and that they wanted minimum interference with maximum benefit once it was implemented.

The 2023/24 footballing season in South Africa has seen more people ask for VAR to be introduced, especially after Mamelodi Sundowns appeared to benefit from offside decisions and Moroka Swallows won thanks to a controversial late goal.

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That’s the view of many fans who believe that Sundowns are winning games because they are getting the benefit of the doubt in crucial decisions.

With the reigning champs scoring two contentious goals recently, some fans have called for VAR to be implemented to stop Sundowns from getting away with such decisions, Sports Brief reported.