‘I DEMAND back the money from SAFA’ says Minister of sport Gayton McKenzie.
He did confirm the sum of R13m was paid to the football organization to establish the Video Assistant Referee VAR into Premier Soccer League.
“With SAFA having failed to implement the progamme, I demand the public’s money back from SAFA within 21 days,” remarked the agitated McKenzie, also warning he will upscale the matter to the football governing body FIFA.
“I wrote SAFA a letter requesting them to return my money, they then asked for 21 days grace. I am angry because what else can I do.”
He continued:” All the problems at SAFA is blamed on Danny Jordaan, but there are people within that organisation that are gatekeepers and are corrupt, and they simply don’t want VAR to happen. What is stopping this thing, what is stopping VAR? he asked angrily.
The Minister also confirmed he took reporters, administrators and the VAR research team to establish which option works better.
“FIFA’s rules states clearly that VAR must be implemented through SAFA.”
“I took the team to Spain and the UK, to compare which option is the best one for us. I then allocated R13 million to SAFA – I can’t do more as the minister,” he said, spending R7m for the tours.
I am prepared to face the consequences, even if it leads actions towards FIFA scrutiny of SAFA, he warned, post the SA Sport awards held at Sun City this past weekend.
Watch what will happen if nothing happens, said McKenzie outrightly.
At the time of publishing SAFA had not provided a comment.
Meanwhile, #IzinjaZeGame winners were announced as follows:
Sport Administrator of the Year
- Anthony Moruthane, Tennis
Recreation Body of the Year
- Khokho Association South Africa
Sport Volunteer of the Year
- Nqobile Kunene, Rural Horse Racing
Youth/Junior Sport Star of the Year
- Bayanda Walaza, Athletics
Youth/Junior Sport Team of the Year
- Men’s under 20 Rugby Team Rugby
Sport Visual Journalist of the Year
- Skhu Nkomphela, Sport Photographer
Sports Media Journalist of the Year
- Rachel Makhura, Broadcasting
Technical Official of the Year
- Aimee Barrett-Theron, Rugby
National Federation of the Year
- Cricket South Africa
Sport Team of the Year
- Protea Men’s Test Cricket
Coach of the Year
- Thabo Matebedi, Athletics
Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability
- Simoné Kruger, Athletics
Sportsman of the Year with a Disability
- Puseletso Michael Mabote, Para athletics 400m T63
Sportswoman of the Year
- Prudence Sekgodiso, Athletics
Sportsman of the Year
- Pieter Coetze, Swimming
Sport Star of the Year
- Akani Simbine, Athletics
Steve Tshwete Lifetime
- Ms Siya Vabaza-Booi
- Mr Selwyn Nathan
- Mr Veli Nhlapo
Andrew Mlangeni Green Jacket
- Mr William Mtolo
- Mr Teenage Dladla
- Prof. Mlungisi Ngubane
- Mr Patson Banda
Excellence
- Mr Rayno Nel
- Ms Tasneem Solomons
- Mr Temba Bavuma
Image Sipho MALUKA (Sport Minister Gayton McKenzie warns SAFA- bring back the money or else…He’s recorded with former Sowetan lensman Veli Nhlapo and MEC Sport in NW- Wessels Morweng at the awards ceremony.)
