The implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in South
African football has been delayed due to a lack of training for officials
according to SAFA CEO, Tebogo Motlanthe. Motlanthe revealed that the lack
of training for officials has been the primary factor in the delay of the
technology’s implementation in the country.
“We have spoken to CAF. There was a delegation of CAF, which was here to
inspect stadiums. But our discussions with both CAF and FIFA, first,
before you even think about implementation, it’s training,” said
Motlanthe.
He went on to explain that the training of officials was the first step
in the process of VAR being implemented and that Victor Hlungwane would be
taking it over with FIFA and CAF to ensure that the process is done
properly.
“So, first is to deal with the question of training, and from there the
roll-out plan. Because he [Victor Hlungwane] will then be taking it over
with FIFA and CAF to say how best can we train, who, when and how do we
train? About the friendly where it was going to be tested. The first
question was: was who was going to oversee that because we don’t have
trained people. It was just a premature thing,” Motlanthe concluded.
With the implementation of VAR technology being delayed, South African
football fans will have to continue to bear with the questionable
decisions in the DStv Premiership for the time being.
