13 February 2018 – A two-day SAFA National Integrity Workshop looking into legal and regulatory provisions related to match fixing and match manipulation kicked off today in Sandton, Johannesburg.
The FIFA-funded workshop is being attended by various stakeholders including Premier Soccer League (PSL) management and clubs, South African Police Services (SAPS), SAFA senior administrators, NEC members and provincial representatives from around the country.
FIFA Integrity Officer, Arias Rodrigo opened the workshop by presenting a FIFA module on ethics and prevention of match manipulation.
His presentation was followed by that of SAFA Integrity Officer, Mlungisi Ncame who gave an overview of the Association’s integrity programme, touching on policy development, partnerships with police, current SAFA investigations, and challenges encountered to combat corruption. Ncame emphasised that SAFA was leaving no stone unturned in its bid to nip the dishonest practice in the bud.
Other topics touched on during the opening day included the country’s legislative framework on Anti-Corruption and Witness Protection act. This was followed by the National Soccer League’s overview presentation on their extensive plan to combat corruption in the game.
Renowned FIFA and CAF referees’ instructor, Felix Tangawarima presented delegates with case studies of corrupt activities on the African continent and elsewhere in the world.
The workshop will continue on Wednesday, 14 February 2018 with group discussions on how to deal with match-fixing and manipulation. The final discussion is to touch on what to do if corruption matters arise within one’s midst.
Various groups are then expected to undertake report back sessions discussing the way forward and solutions on how to stop match fixing.
The workshop is a precursor to provincial integrity workshops which will take place in March and April 2018. The provincial workshops will be attended by club representatives from all leagues, match officials, coaches, administrative officials and other football stakeholders.