McKenzie presses SAFA for answers over World Cup qualification blunder

Published on

Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, has formally demanded a full explanation from the South African Football Association (SAFA) following the administrative error that led to FIFA docking Bafana Bafana three World Cup qualifying points.

South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has demanded a full report from the South African Football Association (SAFA) after an administrative error led to FIFA docking Bafana Bafana three World Cup qualifying points.

The error, which involved fielding a suspended Teboho Mokoena, resulted in the overturning of a crucial victory against Lesotho and has raised serious questions about SAFA’s internal governance and accountability.

REPORT: McKenzie criticises SAFA over Mokwena eligibility error

In a letter to SAFA President Danny Jordaan and CEO Lydia Monyepao, McKenzie expressed concern over what he described as an “administrative oversight” that compromised the national team’s campaign and damaged the federation’s reputation. He rejected suggestions from SAFA leadership that the matter was closed, stating that transparency and accountability must take priority.

The minister has given SAFA seven days to submit a comprehensive report outlining the timeline of the error, internal findings, disciplinary action taken against those responsible, and corrective measures to prevent future incidents.

In a parallel step, McKenzie wrote to FIFA President Gianni Infantino to issue a formal apology on behalf of the South African government, while affirming that the state would not interfere in football governance. He assured FIFA that SAFA had been pressed for answers to ensure the issue is not repeated.

The intervention represents a rare public rebuke of SAFA by the government and reflects growing frustration over administrative lapses that have undermined the team’s on-field achievements.

AfricaPicks: Chiefs sidelined as Sundowns, Pirates dominate Bafana

REPORT: SAFA confirms Adidas as new technical sponsor

Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images

Post by

Mpusheng