Question NW2506 to the Minister of Sport and Recreation
10 October 2017 - NW2506
Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sport and Recreation
(1) With reference to his reply to question 1098 on 5 June 2017, (a) which committee or governance structure of the SA Football Association (SAFA) authorised the payment to FIFA, (b) on which date was the payment authorised, (c) what are the names of each member of the specified committee or governance structure of SAFA, (d) on which delegated authority decision by the Board of Directors and/or shareholders of SAFA did the specified committee or governance structure base its decision and (e) what number of the specified members of the specified committee or governance structure of SAFA voted (i) in favour of and (ii) against the decision to make the payment to the Confederation of North, Central and Caribbean Football Associations (Concacaf); (2) whether he will furnish Mr T W Mhlongo with copies of the minutes of the meeting(s) where the decision was made to make the payment to Concacaf; if not, why not; if so, by what date?
Reply:
The leadership of the South African Football Association (SAFA) authorized FIFA to make the payment. The details of the payment are with FIFA who made the payment to the Confederation of North, Central and Caribbean Football Associations (CONCACAF). The documentation related to the decision is not in the purview of the Minister of Sport and Recreation. The Olympic Charter, to which South Africa is a signatory, prohibits governments from interfering in the administration of sports bodies. Government relies on the sports bodies to provide details as and when necessary, on a voluntary basis. South Africa has since requested FIFA, the former leaders of SAFA and the government of the United States of America to share documentation in their possession pointing to any alleged wrongdoing in respect of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Until we receive information stating otherwise, we as the South African Government believe that this was a legitimate transfer of funds to CONCACAF. Those who allege that any of our laws have been broken are encouraged to report such transgressions to the appropriate authorities, including law enforcement agencies.
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