Parliament hears update on SAFA match-fixing scandal

Minister for Sport and Recreation, Fikile Mbalula, briefed Parliament today on his department’s efforts in resolving the controversial match-fixing scandal involving SAFA officials. The scandal, which involved five friendly games before the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, is under investigation by soccer’s world governing body, FIFA, after it came to light that the games were fixed.

The scandal implicated then SAFA President Kirsten Nematandani and five other SAFA officials, who have faced suspensions over their involvement in the affair.

The Minister came under fire by MPs who have criticized the department for taking too long in resolving the matter, with the DA’s Darren Bergman noting the impact a prolonged investigation will have on SAFA’s reputation on the international scene, and South Africa’s image as a whole.

The EFF’s Pebane Moteka urged Minister Mbalula to speed up the investigation by summoning FIFA to the country, or inviting them over; suggestions to which the Minister addressed some fundamental problems.

“We cannot simply summon an international organisation the size of FIFA. They have to come out of their own good will,” said the Minister. He was referring to FIFA’s independence and authority as soccer’s world governing body, claiming that the body is not accountable to any government.

The Minister then detailed the challenges faced by his department in their attempts at speeding up the investigation process.

“We have already written to FIFA about the investigation. The process is in the hands of FIFA to conclude. If government were allowed full control of the investigation, it would be resolved by now,” said the Minister.

The Minister went on to say that he asked the President to set up a judicial commission of inquiry, which would have allowed him to subpoena international individuals or fugitives and bring them to South Africa to stand trial. However, this would have constituted government interference in a sporting issue, for which FIFA would have punished South Africa with a suspension from playing international soccer.

The department has thus exhausted all options, says the Minister, with the issue firmly in the hands of FIFA, who can deal with the matter at their own leisure. As of yet, no deadline has been set by FIFA by which to complete their investigation, with the matter likely to drag on for a long while.