We can only hope that this is not the case - that turf battles underlay the fallout between South African Football Association (Safa) and the former chief executive of its commercial wing.

We can only hope that this is not the case - that turf battles underlay the fallout between South African Football Association (Safa) and the former chief executive of its commercial wing.

It is public knowledge that Sbu Mngadi recently made an unceremonious exit from Safa Ltd, a company formed by the body to manage the business affairs of national soccer teams. Problems for Mngadi arose after he organised a game between Colombia and South Africa's Under-23 side without informing Safa.

Now Safa accuses Mngadi of authorising fraudulent payments amounting to R1million while organising the match.

Relations between the two were bound to be frosty from the start anyway. Insiders say Mngadi's job was hamstrung by paralysis arising from unresolved territorial issues. If true, there needs to be clarity regarding the brief and parameters of fiduciary responsibilities between the two organisations to clear grey lines.