Kaizer Chiefs player Rushwin Dortley challenges for the ball against Mamelodi Sundowns player Rayners Iqraam during the Betway Premiership at the FNB stadium Mamelodi Sundowns’ Iqraam Rayners (right) scored a controversial goal over the weekend. Seen here: Kaizer Chiefs player Rushwin Dortley challenges for the ball against Rayners. Picture: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers
The South African Football Association’s (Safa) head of referees Abdul Ebrahim has weighed in on the issue of using the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in local football.
There were renewed cries for the use of VAR in SA football over the weekend, after Mamelodi Sundowns scored a contentious winner against Kaizer Chiefs in their Betway Premiership clash.
With the scores locked at 1-1 just after the half-hour mark, Sundowns’ Lucas Ribeiro crossed for Iqraam Rayners who scored the goal. However, replays suggested that Ribeiro may have been offside.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi also voiced his frustration about the decision after the match.
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— Aries03 (@Aries_0304) September 28, 2024
⚽️ ⒼⓄⒶⓁ: Iqraam Rayners puts Masandawana ahead!
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#BetwayPremiership Lorch #Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/3h8i8OGuuh
Speaking about the incident, Ebrahim told Kickoff: “The referees did very well, and the review will do the necessary, and then, in the week, we will get the reports.
“Of course, there will always be one or two incidents that will need to be reviewed, and the review will have a look at it, and they will get the footage and make their decisions based on the footage received.”
Ebrahim said that VAR is still in the discussion phase.
“Beyond that, unfortunately, I can’t provide you with any additional information.
“If you look at the disallowed goal, I’m sure VAR would have come in and have a look at it as well and either confirm or not. But like I said, it’s still in the discussion phases, and unfortunately, we don’t have any information beyond that.”
There have also been reports that VAR will be used in the MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC over the weekend. Ebrahim, though, said that was not the case.
“Well, I don’t know where that news comes from, but ja, it’s not from us, because then we are supposed to hear about it as well.”