Soccer
SAFA widen probe of refs
2009-11-24 10:48
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Johannesburg - The South African Football Association has extended its terms of reference to Judge Graham Mushwana’s investigation on alleged corruption in referees.
The Association’s swift action follows weekend statements by former general manager of the Premier Soccer League, Ace Ncobo.
SAFA CEO Raymond Hack, says SAFA will press ahead with its zero tolerance policy to root out acts of corruption and misconduct involving match officials at all levels of the game.
Hack says the resignation of Ncobo from the PSL and his subsequent comments about corruption in the game cannot be ignored.
“When an official who served the league in a senior position is quoted in the media as saying the league is rotten to the core, and that he is in possession of a dossier to prove that, it compels us as a responsible Association to demand that information in order to help us in our investigations.
"We have written letters to Ncobo and the league requesting them to furnish us with information that might assist us in our extended investigation,” said Hack.
SAFA president Kirsten Nematandani, says one of the main focus areas of the transformation agenda is to clean up the game.
"The Association has a responsibility to its sponsors, government and most importantly to the players," says Nematandani.
He adds that culprits will be dealt with harshly in terms of the law.
“We have initiated an investigation on this matter relating to referees, and already we have effected suspensions and in some instances demotions.
"This is a sign that we will act without failure upon receiving a final report from Judge Mushwana.
"For the sake of progress and our resolve to clean up the game, nothing will be swept under the carpet," added the SAFA president.