3 August 2017 – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has sent a message of condolences to the South African Football Association (SAFA) following the tragic loss of two lives at the FNB Stadium during the Soweto Derby last weekend (Saturday, 29 July 2017).
The FIFA President says that “it was with shock and great sadness” to learn of the incident, adding that “his thoughts are with the family at this cruel moment in time.”
In a letter addressed to SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan, Infantino had this to say:
“It was with shock and great sadness that I learned of the tragic stampede at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, that hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final, during the Soweto Derby match between South African Premier League rivals Kaizer Chiefs FC and Orlando Pirates FC on Saturday, 29 July 2017, which caused the death of two persons and injured several other people.
On behalf of FIFA and in my own name, I extend my sincerest apologies to you, your Association, the two clubs, as well as the entire football community in South Africa.
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have died, as well as the injured victims, and the international football family extends its greatest sympathy to them at this cruel moment in time.
We hope that this message of solidarity may, in some small way, be a source of support and comfort for them,” said Infantino.