The South African Football Association (SAFA) welcomes sanctions imposed on former football officials regarding the international friendly matches played by the South African Men’s Senior National Team (Bafana Bafana) ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) welcomes sanctions imposed on former football officials regarding the international friendly matches played by the South African Men’s Senior National Team (Bafana Bafana) ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The investigation, initiated on November 2014 against SAFA officials, was conducted by Dr Cornel Borbely who is the chair of the Investigatory Chamber of the Ethics Committee, in collaboration with the FIFA Security Division.
In this case, former head of referees Mr Lindile ‘Ace’ Kika was banned from all football-related activities for six years and former SAFA CEO Mr Leslie Sedibe was found to have infringed rules related to disclosure, cooperation and reporting of the FIFA Code of Ethics. Sedibe has been banned for five years from all football-related activities and also received a fine of CHF 20 000.
Furthermore, former SAFA employees Mr Adeel Carelse and Mr Steve Goddard were both also found guilty and each received a ban of two years.
“We are glad this matter has ultimately reached this stage since SAFA reported the matter to FIFA almost 4 years ago. It had dragged on too long for our liking and was starting to have an impact on us as an Association and our valued stakeholders.
“At SAFA we have a zero-tolerance policy for any corrupt activity which impacts negatively on this beautiful game and for that reason we welcome strong measures against any individual who is found guilty of such offenses. This should serve as a warning to anyone harbouring intentions of engaging in nefarious activities within the sport that the long arm of the law will catch up with them. Be warned,” said Mr Poobalan Govindasamy, the Chairperson of the SAFA Ethics Committee.