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Johannesburg - Three of South Africa's media houses have sent a submission to FIFA saying the conditions it is imposing on journalists during the 2010 World Cup are unconstitutional, The Times reported on Friday.
Avusa Media Limited, Independent Newspapers and Media24 have said restrictions outlined by FIFA "unjustifiably restrict the media's ability to report critically on the FIFA World Cup and any related or ancillary topics".
The submission states that FIFA "holds a monopoly over all matters pertaining to the 2010 FIFA World Cup".
Because of the monopoly, the media has no choice but to agree to the terms and conditions.
FIFA's terms and conditions include a clause that news organisations cannot harm the reputation of the World Cup.
The newspaper groups submit that under South African law, "a prior restraint on publication" is in itself unlawful or justifiably on the basis that it is true and in the public interest, protected by fair comment, or is reasonable".
They also believe the accreditation terms are "procedurally unfair, unlawful and unconstitutional".
Local organising committee spokesperson Rich Mkhondo said they had received the submission and were looking at it.
Avusa Media Limited, Independent Newspapers and Media24 have said restrictions outlined by FIFA "unjustifiably restrict the media's ability to report critically on the FIFA World Cup and any related or ancillary topics".
The submission states that FIFA "holds a monopoly over all matters pertaining to the 2010 FIFA World Cup".
Because of the monopoly, the media has no choice but to agree to the terms and conditions.
FIFA's terms and conditions include a clause that news organisations cannot harm the reputation of the World Cup.
The newspaper groups submit that under South African law, "a prior restraint on publication" is in itself unlawful or justifiably on the basis that it is true and in the public interest, protected by fair comment, or is reasonable".
They also believe the accreditation terms are "procedurally unfair, unlawful and unconstitutional".
Local organising committee spokesperson Rich Mkhondo said they had received the submission and were looking at it.
