CAF President Patrice Motsepe has expressed confidence that Sports, Arts
and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie will operate within FIFA’s strict rules
against government interference, despite McKenzie’s demand for
accountability from the South African Football Association (SAFA).
The dispute stems from a three-point deduction for Bafana Bafana in the 2026
World Cup qualifiers for fielding a suspended player, Teboho Mokoena,
against Lesotho. Minister McKenzie has insisted on consequences for the
administrative error from the SAFA management team.
Speaking at a SANEF Gala Dinner in Johannesburg, Motsepe addressed the
delicate balance between government partnership and football sovereignty.
“All countries on the continent, there is a clear understanding of the role
and partnerships with governments and the sovereignty of every nation.
Football does not interfere with those sovereign matters of every country,”
Motsepe stated.
He emphasized the fundamental principle at stake: “The issue that relates to
football is that governments should not interfere, so I would imagine what
the minister of Sport in South Africa is communicating with FIFA will be
within strict parameters. If there are any issues, I am confident there will
be discussions to make sure that those parameters are respected.”
It is believed that Minister McKenzie has already written to FIFA President
Gianni Infantino, apologizing for the blunder and assuring him that he is
not interfering in the administration of the game. His direct demand to SAFA
was for a detailed report within seven days explaining the timeline of
events that led to Mokoena playing while suspended.
