South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, has given the South African Football Association (SAFA) 21 days to explain how R13 million allocated for the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology was used.

The amount, which is valued at more than $800,000, was provided to support the implementation of VAR in South African football.

However, progress towards introducing the system in the Premier Soccer League has stalled, leaving the minister frustrated.

McKenzie disclosed that his ministry had written formally to SAFA demanding answers and the return of the funds.

According to the minister, the football association requested a 21-day period to resolve the matter.

He said he had taken journalists, football administrators and other stakeholders to Spain and the United Kingdom to examine how VAR operates and determine the most suitable system for South Africa.

Despite those efforts, the technology has yet to be implemented in the domestic league, where controversial refereeing decisions have continued to generate criticism.

Speaking after the 19th South African Sport Awards in Sun City, North West, McKenzie said he believed he had done everything within his power to facilitate the introduction of VAR.

The minister stressed that the money belonged to the state and that he was accountable for its use.

He also maintained that his commitment to bringing VAR into South African football remains unchanged.

McKenzie suggested that if SAFA fails to make progress within the stipulated period, further steps may be necessary to ensure the funds are properly accounted for and the long-awaited VAR project moves forward.