PSL waiting on Safa’s go-ahead in order to introduce VAR

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) could soon become one of the first leagues in Africa to implement the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology.

So far, the Botola Premier League in Morocco is the only professional league that has implemented the technology.

PSL to introduce VAR 

According to PSL chairman, Dr Irvin Khoza, they are waiting for the go-ahead from the South African Football Association (Safa) in order to introduce VAR.

The first few months of the ongoing season have been plagued by contentious refereeing, which has seen an increase in calls for the technology.

Khoza says a meeting with Safa is on the pipeline.

“One of the things we want to discuss in that meeting is the introduction of the VAR, because without the permission of Safa, we can’t have the VAR.”

Irvin Khoza

A day of big announcements 

The PSL also hosted a delegation from Germany, led by Bundesliga chief executive, Robert Klein.

Klein presented a possible partnership between the two leagues, which will be announced in due course.

“The Bundesliga is not new in our family, this visit is part of a long-standing relationship that goes over many years. We thank Robert Klein for taking time to visit us and to present to our members,” Khoza said.

Irvin Khoza

In what was a day of big announcements, Khoza also revealed that the League had posted a record R1 billion in revenue over the past year.

He said had appealed to the PSL members to see how they can make a contribution to the country’s economy.

“The recession in our country has unfortunately deepened and our economy seems destined for a new normal. In over two decades, two generations of South African citizens that do not have skin in the economic game have emerged.

“External marketing budgets are the first to be cut in a recession. Sponsorship renewals are therefore going to be under pressure. It is under these times that the indispensability of our value proposition to that of our sponsors needs to be understood and appreciated. Our content appeal and following by the NSL audience is the indispensable link that the sponsors and advertisers are after in their association with our brands.”

Irvin Khoza