Inquiry into Safa 'still on'

SPORT and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula is going ahead with preparations for the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry despite concerns by Fifa of alleged government interference after receiving complaints from some Safa officials.

"The status quo remains as per the announcement by Minister Mbalula on Good Friday to have a judicial commission of inquiry investigating match-fixing allegations," said Mbalula's spokesman Paena Galane yesterday.

Galane added that Mbalula has started with preparations to travel to Zurich for a meeting with the world football governing body's secretary- general, Jerome Valcke.

"We are surprised that some Safa officials have written to Fifa saying government is interfering in the administration of their affairs after they were informed that a judicial commission of inquiry will be appointed to deal with match-fixing allegations," said Galane.

"Minister Mbalula is going to Fifa (Switzerland) in the next few days to explain why we are appointing a judicial commission of inquiry ... the issue of corporate governance is our number one priority."

Sowetan has learnt that besides the match-fixing allegations, the terms of reference of the commission will include the alleged disappearance of Fifa legacy fund money and contents included in the "Safa dossier", which is said to have divided the national executive committee.

Certain Safa officials are reported to have unsuccessfully pushed for the PSL to also be investigated without any evidence of wrongdoing as the professional soccer administration, which resulted in letters written to Fifa accusing the government of interfering in their activities.

Safa president Kirsten Nematandani has made it clear that they do not deal with Mbalula through the media, adding that they will engage him on the matter as per the decisions of the federation regarding the appointment of the commission.