THE ANC Youth League has dismissed as "rumours" reports that its president Julius Malema faces imminent arrest.

The Sunday Independent reported that the Hawks have prima facie evidence of corruption related to the awarding of tenders to companies Malema has an interest in.

The reports said Malema would be arrested and be brought before a court to answer allegations of fraud, corruption and money laundering.

League spokesperson Floyd Shivambu said yesterday: "The ANCYL places it on record that there has never been any form of communication between president Julius Malema and the law enforcement agencies that are said to be investigating the president.

"The faceless sources quoted in the newspaper reports are spreading sensational rumours."

Shivambu said the allegations about the possible arrest of Malema were meant to derail the league from its programmes.

"The ANCYL is concerned that every time the organisation concludes successful political programmes, certain sections of the media try to divert attention by spreading sensational lies and rumours about the leadership of the ANC Youth League," Shivambu said.

"The ANCYL would like to categorically affirm that cheap and petty politics that seek to veer the organisation away from struggles for economic freedom in our lifetime will never succeed."

Shivambu said if there was an investigation (into Malema) the league would cooperate fully.

The Hawks are said to be investigating the Ratanang Family Trust and other companies with links to Malema.