The late American economist Paul Samuelson once said, “Politicians like to tell people what they want to hear—and what they want to hear is what won’t happen.”

For now, however, Sport, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie is living up to his promise on the implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

McKenzie has for months been talking about VAR and how crucial it would be for the PSL considering the questionable refereeing calls that have plagued the league every season.

In February, African Times reported that McKenzie was still on course, based on his own words, and to follow up, he has given an indication of where the process is at the moment.

“FIFA rules state clearly that VAR should happen through SAFA (South African Football Association). We (the department of sport) met with the leadership of SAFA,” stated McKenzie.

“An advert will be placed in seven days to find suitable service providers (for VAR technology). The money is available, and the training of referees has also been budgeted for. Thanks, SAFA, thanks, PSL, we are ready.”

The cost estimations for VAR have been put in the region of R70 million – R80 million annually, and as things stand, McKenzie is confident that it’s only a matter of time before VAR is introduced to the PSL.