By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has broken its silence on the R20 million VAR grant received from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) in April 2026.
In a statement on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, “The football association says the funds are yet to be utilised.”
They’re being kept in a separate account while the association completes internal reviews and due diligence.
The update comes after DSAC minister Gayton McKenzie criticized the delay and called for the money to be returned.
In a statement, SAFA revealed that: “The South African Football Association [SAFA] wishes to provide an update to its members, stakeholders, the football fraternity and the public on the status of the Video Assistant Referee [VAR] Project and the R20 million received from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture [DSAC].”
In April 2026, DSAC transferred R20 million to SAFA to support the implementation of VAR in South African football. Prior to receiving the funding, SAFA had already conducted a comprehensive technical evaluation of VAR technology and service providers and identified three preferred VAR providers. No contractual agreements were entered into by SAFA.
At its meeting of 9–10 May 2026, the SAFA National Executive Committee [NEC] approved the implementation of the VAR Project in principle. However, before any procurement process or contractual commitments could proceed, the NEC resolved that the project budget, cost assumptions and procurement considerations be subjected to further review by the Finance Committee and a dedicated task team, in accordance with SAFA’s governance and policy requirements.
SAFA has also consulted with the Premier Soccer League [PSL], through the Joint Liaison Committee [JLC], on the proposed implementation framework. The VAR Project Team presented to the JLC and the PSL Executive Committee as part of the stakeholder consultation process.
SAFA acknowledges that the governance, financial verification and due diligence processes have taken longer than initially anticipated. However, it is important to emphasise that the R20 million received from DSAC has not been spent. The full amount remains secure in a separate account, together with the interest accrued, pending the completion of the outstanding governance, budget verification and procurement processes.
Following engagement with DSAC on 18 August, the Department has granted SAFA a final 21-day extension to conclude the outstanding processes and submit a comprehensive report on the project, including the recommendations arising from the review and confirmation of the funds held.
SAFA appreciates the Minister’s and DSAC’s continued support and constructive engagement. The Association remains committed to ensuring that VAR is implemented in a manner that is transparent, financially responsible, compliant with governance and procurement requirements and sustainable.
Meanwhile SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao was removed from Tuesday’s Parliamentary Portfolio Committee meeting after refusing to disclose Hugo Broos’ salary.
The session was attended by committee members, McKenzie, and several SAFA National Executive Committee [NEC] officials alongside Monyepao.
SAFA president Danny Jordaan was absent after submitting a formal apology, indicating he was consulting a doctor.
The question of Broos’s remuneration quickly took centre stage when Economic Freedom Fighters [EFF] Member of Parliament Eugene Mthethwa pressed Monyepao for exact figures regarding the Belgian tactician’s earnings during his five-year tenure.
Monyepao remained adamant that she would not disclose the confidential details to the committee.
Despite Chairperson Joe McGluwa reading the Riot Act and reminding the CEO of parliamentary oversight authority, Monyepao maintained her refusal and was ultimately booted out of the virtual platform.
Following Monyepao’s exit, the minister disclosed that Broos earned a massive R1.4 million per month, totalling R16.8 million annually.
Furthermore, the meeting laid bare the ongoing financial negotiations regarding incoming head coach Pitso Mosimane. It was revealed that SAFA initially offered Mosimane R5 million annually, a figure the NEC later drastically revised to R10 million a year as the association looks to secure his services.