By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider 

Minister of Sports, Art and Culture, Gayton Mckenzie, has expressed to the South African Football Association (SAFA) that he demands the state money that was provided in order to acquire the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) be returned to the department.

Speaking at the South African Sports Awards on Sunday in Sun City, Mckenzie expressed visible frustration over the stagnancy of the VAR project and his dealings with SAFA. He stated that he had acquired funding from the state in order for SAFA to implement the VAR system and has now written to the association that he demands the money to be returned. 

“I wrote SAFA a letter where I said they should return my money, the money of the state, because I am responsible for it,” said Mckenzie. According to Mckenzie, SAFA had requested 21 days to respond to his demand, however the minister stated that the time has already passed and has yet to receive the money. 

“I am angry because what more can I do? I asked them in a letter, “Bring back my money, the money of the state” said Mckenzie. The funding was to facilitate the implementation of VAR which has been an ongoing discussion in domestic football.

 Mckenzie emphasised that he has done everything in his power to ensure that VAR be introduced to South African football and has continuously insisted that the public should not hold him responsible for the delays.

 “We were supposed to have had the VAR. So, people shouldn’t look at me. I’m the minister that put it on the table that the VAR should be there. I did everything humanly possible,” said Mckenzie.

 Mckenzie has now stated that he will be taking his concerns to FIFA. “Now I’m writing to FIFA, I’ve already spoken to FIFA but I’m writing to them,” said Mckenzie. 

Mckenzie has also gone on to accuse SAFA of corruption which has further escalated the public confrontation between the government and SAFA. 

The accusations have been made solely by Mckenzie and have not been independently established. The spotlight is fixed on SAFA and how they are planning to continue plans to implement VAR in domestic football with the minister insisting that the funds be accounted for.