Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie warns 'corrupt referees' as he gives latest update regarding Video Assistant Referee in the PSL - 'Your time is coming to an end'

Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has issued a stern caution to Premier Soccer League referees and shared the latest information regarding the Video Assistant Referee.

A lot of local football fans and analysts have been advocating for the introduction of VAR in the league to minimize errors made by match officials in the PSL.

Since McKenzie assumed the role of sports minister in July 2024, he has been pledging to introduce the technological tool in the South African football top tier.

While asserting that VAR will be brought into the PSL in April this year, McKenzie cautioned 'corrupt' referees that their time is coming to an end.

"I made the promise to South Africa that VAR is coming, I said the end of April, nothing has changed, we'll see. I see there are some teams worried about VAR, I won't mention names, but those who love the sport of soccer will be happy for VAR," McKenzie told SABC Sport.

"If you are a corrupt referee, your time is coming to an end. VAR will expose you, and we'll prosecute the corrupt referees. VAR is coming, I don't care who is against it. As the Minister, I'm saying to you it's coming, they said there's no money for VAR, I am the Minister in the Government of National Unity, we shall make the money available for VAR.

"As soon as the new [budget] comes in, because, remember I'm still on the old budget, but as the new one comes – I said by April, and April is coming," he added.

"The corrupt [individuals] will be against VAR; the ones that fake injuries and fake penalties, it's coming to an end. VAR is coming without a doubt, as I promised. I will never go back on my promise."

Some of the most questionable calls made by referees have occurred during matches involving Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns, amongst others.

These controversial decisions provoked fans of several teams to react angrily and attack referees, and unfortunately, their behavior has led to their clubs facing penalties from the PSL.

McKenzie has been holding meetings with the PSL board and members of the South African Football Association as they look to implement VAR in South African football.

It remains to be seen whether McKenzie, Safa and the PSL will ultimately bring in VAR in April, as the minister promised.

For now, league matches will continue, with Chiefs and Sundowns scheduled to meet in a highly awaited encounter at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday, March 1.