Former FIFA Referee Ace Ncobo Debunks Secret Video Assistant Referee Allegations in DStv Premiership

• Ace Ncobo has addressed claims of a secret Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in PSL
• His response comes after TS Galaxy had a penalty decision reversed vs Cape Town Spurs
• Ncobo assured limited access to referee communication systems, ruling out interference

Former FIFA referee, Ace Ncobo, has dismissed suggestions of a secret Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system operating in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

The controversy arose following a contentious incident during a DSTV Premiership between TS Galaxy and Cape Town Spurs on Sunday, March 3.

Referee Thabo Mkhabela initially awarded a penalty to Galaxy after an alleged foul on Samir Nurkovic inside the box.

Moments later, Mkhabela reversed his decision after consulting with his assistant referee, sparking speculation among players and coaching staff.

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The incident prompted former Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana defender Matthew Booth to question the existence of a secret VAR system.

However, Ncobo swiftly dismissed the notion, citing the limited access to referee communication systems. He clarified that only five individuals, including the referees and match commissioner, have access, ruling out external interference.

“We have four on the pitch, the referee, the two assistants and the fourth official. We have a fifth one, the match commissioner, who only has listening powers – he can’t communicate with the referees” said Ncobo, as quoted in iDiski Times.

Despite the referee’s assurances, Booth remained sceptical, citing instances where referees seemed to delay decisions until after television replays. The ex-FIFA official reiterated the closed nature of the communication system, stressing the impossibility of external influence.

TS Galaxy head coach Sead Ramovic also expressed bewilderment over the reversed penalty decision.

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''We wanted to play more direct to Samir, then it came to a strange situation, a penalty, for me it was a clear one. Whether it is a small or a big touch, it is a touch in the box - he touched Samir, penalty,'' lamented the German manager, as reported by SABC Sport.

Reflecting on the match, Ramovic questioned the consistency of officiating and advocated for introducing VAR in the league to ensure fair play.

South African referees under the microscope

Sports Brief previously reported that South African refereeing was under the microscope after Local Football Associations were entrusted with grassroots development.

Of the 68, assistant referees and video assistants at AFCON 2023, South Africa had just two officiating representatives.

The high-pressure job has many pitfalls, with some asking if enough is being done to promote and protect this vital facet of the games.