Irvin Khoza: PSL ready for VAR whenever Safa rolls it out

Image: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

PSL chairman Irvin Khoza says the implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) remains Safa’s responsibility, but the league fully supports its roll-out.

Safa recently met with the DSAC to account for the R20 million allocated towards implementing VAR. The association revealed that the money remains untouched and has accumulated interest, as due diligence showed that several processes still need to be completed before the system can be introduced.

Safa is targeting smaller leagues and selected top-flight competitions as pilot projects before considering a full-scale roll-out.

The absence of the PSL from the meeting, which was attended by Safa president Danny Jordaan, chief executive Lydia Monyepao, sport minister Gayton McKenzie and DSAC representatives, raised questions.

However, speaking during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to the PSL offices ahead of the local elections on Wednesday, Khoza sought to clarify the league’s position, insisting that it remains fully behind Safa’s efforts.

“VAR is not our competency, but Safa’s,” Khoza explained. “We started the VAR talk in 2009 as the PSL, but it has since been taken over by Safa. They have a committee that is dealing with it right now. We are waiting for feedback to ensure that it works.

“We support it and want it at all costs. It takes away the human effect of people talking in discussion, but it must come. We are ready for it as the PSL. My CEO (Mato Madlala) is here to support that.”

Safa recently met with Fifa to seek permission to use COSAFA’s facilities to train its referees and familiarise them with the system. The association has also indicated that introducing VAR this season could prove difficult, as it still needs more than R30 million to fund the project.

Nevertheless, Khoza’s public endorsement provides further clarity on the PSL’s support for the initiative