SAFA Distances Itself from Bonus Controversy

The South African Football Association is trying to repair its image after being accused of being a part of a plan to award bonuses to government and soccer officials from the proceeds of the 2010 World Cup. Officials have not denied the bonus plan, but say they won't be able to look into the matter until after the tournament.

The row broke out this week when it was reported that certain officials would pocket millions of rands from an estimated windfall of about R1 billion that Safa could receive from world controlling soccer body Fifa for hosting the World Cup.

In a statement on Friday, Safa CEO Leslie Sedibe said the issue of bonuses had not been discussed by his executive and they would only look into the matter after the event.

Sedibe said the cost of running the event had over-run the budget by "hundreds of millions of rands".

World Cup bonuses on hold - Safa
Independent Online
April 30, 2010