Mcelwa Nchabeleng

Mcelwa Nchabeleng

The South African Football Players' Union (Safpu) says it is determined to name and shame unscrupulous people who use the name of the organisation for their own benefit.

Safpu has also threatened to take legal action against whoever is responsible for this illegal practice.

Elvis Sekgobela, Safpu's spokesman, said they had also established a commission of inquiry to investigate this illegal operation.

"We are very disappointed with these people and-or companies who are allegedly using the name of the organisation to fulfill their objectives," Sekgobela said.

"These people want to make money at all costs and are using our brand illegally. This is illegal and unacceptable and the sooner they stop it the better."

The former journalist said this started shortly after their third congress in Boksburg just over a month ago.

"Our offices have been inundated with calls from companies and individuals enquiring about events we are supposed to be organising but that we are not aware of.

"Our preliminary investigations show that there are crooks out there who are abusing our name. Last week many former professional players, who are our members, were in and out of our offices enquiring about the legends game that we know nothing about. The event took place at Jeffrey's Bay in Eastern Cape on Saturday.

"As Safpu we want to distance ourselves from this alleged game. We are very concerned with people who want to use the name or logo of our organisation and our soccer legends for their selfish ends. We will formally inform our members about genuine events we will be staging in the future," Sekgobela added.