Fresh SAFA Controversy Emerges Just Days Before Presidential Election

• A disputed section of SAFA’s rules has triggered a police complaint just days before the organisation’s presidential election
• An election campaign group alleged the wording could have been changed to influence who could be nominated for the top position
• SAFA’s CEO has now acknowledged that an older version of the rules was mistakenly included and apologised to the organisation’s leadership

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has admitted making an error in its rules just days before a crucial presidential election, after the issue escalated into allegations of constitutional manipulation and a police complaint.

SABC Sport reports that the controversy began after an information pack was sent to regions and National Executive Committee (NEC) members on Friday, 4 September. It contained wording about who could be nominated for SAFA positions.

The Save Our SAFA group questioned the provision. Lebogang Riet, chairperson of the Force For Change group backing Sandile Zungu, was filmed outside Dingleton police station saying he was opening a case.

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“I’m going to lay charges for corruption and fraud, actually,” Riet said.

He alleged that people at SAFA head office had changed the constitution and claimed there were “almost 14 to 15 changes” made unlawfully.

SAFA CEO explains the disputed wording

SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao has since acknowledged that the disputed wording came from an older version of the organisation’s rules.

Monyepao told NEC members that Article 25.18 in the pack came from the 2022 rules, while the corresponding provision in the current version is Article 25.16.

She said:

“To remove any doubt and ensure that members have the correct reference, the Secretariat provided members with the signed rules approved after the Constitutional Congress on 23 May 2026.”

She also apologised, saying:

“The error was entirely human and administrative in nature and was inadvertent. It was not to mislead, nor was it made with any malicious intent.”

Jordaan and Zungu prepare for election

The admission comes with SAFA’s elective congress scheduled for Saturday, 12 September, in Midrand, Johannesburg.

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Incumbent president Danny Jordaan is seeking a fourth term against Zungu. Meanwhile, an arbitration challenge concerning the legitimacy of the Nelson Mandela Bay region’s leadership was dismissed, with the arbitrator rejecting the relief sought by the challengers.

Monyepao said the rules issue would be discussed at the outgoing NEC’s final meeting on Friday, 11 September, leaving SAFA to proceed towards the election using the signed and amended rules.

Zungu raises fresh concerns ahead of SAFA election

Briefly News previously reported that Sandile Zungu had spoken about alleged threats and intimidation surrounding the SAFA presidential race. The AmaZulu owner claimed some supporters had kept their backing for him private because they feared consequences within their regions.

Zungu also raised concerns about certain regions' participation in Saturday’s election, claiming some football leaders had been unfairly disqualified.

Source: Briefly News