The minister of sport, arts and culture confirmed that funding has been allocated to introduce Video Assistant Referee technology in the national football league, with an initial grant of R20 million from the treasury in the current budget cycle. He also announced plans to reward top national teams with performance bonuses, awarding the senior men’s side R5 million ahead of major tournaments beginning this December and January.
Alongside the senior men’s payout, the women’s football team will receive R1 million, the under-20 men’s side and the women’s cricket squad will each collect R1 million, and the under-17 boys will secure R500,000. The minister appealed for greater private investment and asked supporters to demonstrate their backing by donning official jerseys on match days to build momentum behind the squads.
Officials outlined a phased rollout of VAR equipment, staff instruction and match operations at an estimated R80 million total cost and R70,000 per game in operating fees. A dedicated project team led by a former top referee will coordinate with international football authorities, and the national association must submit a detailed setup budget by March 31, 2026.
Alongside the senior men’s payout, the women’s football team will receive R1 million, the under-20 men’s side and the women’s cricket squad will each collect R1 million, and the under-17 boys will secure R500,000. The minister appealed for greater private investment and asked supporters to demonstrate their backing by donning official jerseys on match days to build momentum behind the squads.
Officials outlined a phased rollout of VAR equipment, staff instruction and match operations at an estimated R80 million total cost and R70,000 per game in operating fees. A dedicated project team led by a former top referee will coordinate with international football authorities, and the national association must submit a detailed setup budget by March 31, 2026.
