The real cost of VAR in South Africa is certainly far more than R20 million

Implementing and sustaining the Video Assistant Referee system in South African football will cost more than R50 million, according to South African Football Association (Safa) chief executive Lydia Monyepao. Safa explained to the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture why VAR has not yet been rolled out, despite receiving R20 million. The funds have remained untouched since being deposited in April and have earned R500,000 in interest; they were intended to cover the first year of a three-year plan. The roadmap includes procuring equipment, mobile broadcast vehicles, insurance and connectivity, followed by referee training, while the R50 million estimate covers only Safa’s direct expenses.