SAFA Head of Referees, Abdul Ebrahim, has responded to Premier Soccer League chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza's statement about the Video Assistant Referee technology during the recent Betway sponsorship announcement.
Khoza revealed during the announcement of Betway as the Premiership's new title sponsor that in December 2022, they were ready to implement VAR in South Africa.
He added that the initiative could not materialize as SAFA was not ready at the time.
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"In December 2022, MultiChoice came forward and wanted to assist with this VAR thing, and we had a test run.
"Unfortunately, we went to the national association at that time, and only two people qualified to operate VAR," revealed the League boss.
Speaking to KickOff on Thursday, Ebrahim said this was new to him.
"My knowledge regarding that also comes from the articles I have read," a befuddled Ebrahim says.
"If that did happen, then my department and I are not aware of that. Hence, I'm unable to comment on it, unfortunately.
"Look, as we stand now, the VAR sub-committee has been formed, and it's just a matter of that committee meeting, which I have requested my CEO.
"We can put a final proposal together for the president, and the chairperson of the Premier Soccer League.
"But as it stands, we have submitted the proposed budget to the joint liaison officer, and now it's up to the principles," he adds.
According to media reports, SAFA are wanting the League's broadcast SuperSport to also come to the party.
"I'm sure it won't be a problem if SuperSport comes on board to help out. Remember when we had CAF Champions League matches, where Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs played in the semi-finals, all the VAR equipment was plugged into a broadcaster's vehicle."
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The 2024/25 season gets underway on Saturday with Orlando Pirates taking on SuperSport United at Orlando Stadium in the MTN8.