VAR sights set for 2024 debut in SA: 'We're still at baby steps,' warns SAFA's Jerome Damon

It has been five years since the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system was successfully implemented at the 2018 Football World Cup in Russia, but it has yet to make its debut in South Africa's DStv Premiership.

Since then, the crucial aid for referees is common practice in 55 leagues worldwide.

Among African nations, Morocco, Algeria and Egypt are the only countries that have implemented VAR systems in their professional leagues.

Following its success at the World Cup in Russia, Europe's top five leagues adopted VAR in the subsequent seasons.

The CAF Champions League used it last season at the home games of Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs.

The need for the technology in South Africa hit home after six Premier Soccer League (PSL) coaches, within the space of a month, expressed their discontent with the level of officiating in the league last season.

The need for VAR was also keenly felt early on this season after Sekhukhune United’s goalkeeper, Badra Sangare, was supposedly pushed across the goal line by Moroka Swallows’ Gabadinho Mhango while holding onto the ball, which is deemed to be illegal, but the goal was awarded by referee Siyabonga Nkomo.

In June, the South African Football Association (SAFA), as is required practice, sent a letter of intent to FIFA outlining its plans to implement VAR in South Africa.

As is also standard practice, FIFA must acknowledge the letter of intent, which then leads to a meeting between the said federation and FIFA.

SAFA failed to comment on whether FIFA had responded to their letter.

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has approved the implementation of VAR in all top-flight games, but the stamp of approval must come from FIFA itself as to whether or not the DStv Premiership will have the