Puma dumps SAFA over fixing

Cape Town - German sportswear company, Puma has confirmed it has terminated its technical and licensed partnership with the South African Football Association with immediate effect.

“Puma can confirm it exercised the right to terminate its technical and licensed partnership with the South African Football Association (SAFA)," a statement from Puma said.

“Following match fixing allegations made against Safa along with inappropriate responses from within the football organisation (including the suspension of senior officials), Puma terminated the contract with immediate effect.

“Puma abides by a code of ethics in all areas of its business operations and expects its partners to adhere to the same values.

“Puma would like to state that with notable exception to the issues in question it enjoyed a good working relationship with SAFA, and wishes them well for the future.” ?

Leading financial institution, Absa, also announced this week it will not renew its sponsorship with the football mother body at the expiry of the current deal later this year.

According to the Soccer-Laduma website, Absa have been sponsors of Bafana Bafana for a number of years. The current deal between Absa and SAFA runs until December of 2013.

The news of the expiry of the contract comes shortly after the appointment of Danny Jordaan as SAFA’s new president.

Absa said in a statement, “Absa confirms it will conclude its sponsorship of the South Africa national soccer team, better known as Bafana Bafana, when the current agreement with the South African Football Association (SAFA) expires at the end of 2013. This follows a review of Absa’s business and brand objectives.”

Barclays Africa Group Executive, Bobby Malabie, said, “Since our involvement with Bafana Bafana started in 2007, we have seen the game extend across racial and cultural barriers and we have engaged the passion of thousands of soccer fans across the country.