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South African Football in Crisis

Dear Editor

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is deeply concerned about the ongoing mismanagement in South African football, laid bare by the recent yellow-card debacle that has embarrassed the nation and put our World Cup hopes at risk.

Bafana Bafana fielded Teboho Mokoena in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho, even though he was ineligible due to accumulated yellow cards. The outcome was disastrous: South Africa lost three points, SAFA was fined R215 000, and the match was awarded to Lesotho 3–0.

This was entirely preventable and underscores the urgent need for accountability in football administration.

Instead of taking responsibility, SAFA President Danny Jordaan declared the matter “closed,” refusing to investigate how such a basic error occurred. This reflects a wider pattern under his leadership, which has faced allegations of financial mismanagement, unresolved sexual assault claims, and irregularities in elections.

The situation is made worse by Minister Gayton McKenzie’s decision to allocate R82 million of public funds to introduce Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology. While intended to modernise the game, the federation itself has admitted that operating VAR domestically could cost around R70 000 per match.

Given SAFA’s recent fines and administrative failures, this massive funding injection comes at the expense of smaller sporting codes that achieve results on limited budgets while promoting grassroots participation and community development.

The Minister’s direct communication with FIFA, while well-intentioned, risks breaching non-interference rules and could draw South African football into international controversy. At the same time, congratulating Jordaan on his CAF committee reappointment undermines any claim of genuine reform.

The DA calls for immediate and decisive action. SAFA must undergo a full forensic audit and implement credible administrative and compliance reforms before receiving further public funds. Budgets for smaller federations must also be safeguarded to support grassroots sport, transformation, and inclusion.

Until accountability is applied consistently and public funds are spent responsibly, South African sport will continue to be defined by the failures of administrators rather than the talent and dedication of its players.

Regards

Leah Potgieter MP
DA Spokesperson on Sport, Arts and Culture

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