South Africa’s opposition Democratic Alliance wants police to investigate the president of the local soccer governing body over allegations the organization paid a $10 million bribe to win hosting rights for the 2010 World Cup.
The party said on Monday it was making a complaint against South African Football Association President Danny Jordaan and former boss Molefi Oliphant “because there seems to be no will by our government to deal decisively with these allegations.”
It was not immediately clear whether prosecutors would take up the case.
Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula confirmed in June that South Africa had given $10 million meant to help pay for the 2010 World Cup to a soccer official indicted in the United States, but denied the payment was a bribe.
The sport’s global governing body, FIFA, also confirmed it paid $10 million to the Caribbean Football Union out of funds originally earmarked for South Africa to help it host the tournament.
“The 2010 World Cup will remain one of South Africa’s shining achievements, but it is vitally important to hold those allegedly guilty of corruption to account,” the DA said.
Jordaan’s spokesman, Mlungisi Ncame, dismissed the charges against the SAFA head as political posturing by the DA before local elections next year. Jordaan is also the mayor for Nelson Mandela Bay in Eastern Cape province, representing the ruling African National Congress party.

S. African opposition wants 2010 World Cup corruption charges investigated

The party said on Monday it was making a complaint against South African Football Association President Danny Jordaan and former boss Molefi Oliphant “because there seems to be no will by our government to deal decisively with these allegations.” (File Photo: AP)
Johannesburg, Reuters
Tuesday 22 September 2015
Last Update: Wednesday, 20 May 2020 KSA 09:46 - GMT 06:46
DAY | WEEK |
-
15654 Views Loud explosion heard in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh
-
2474 Views Coronavirus: Police detain 100 in Amsterdam after protest over lockdown, curfew
-
1173 Views Israel talks tough on Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas: Our response to be extreme in next war
-
612 Views German court blocks return of two refugees to Greece, citing risks facing them
-
512 Views Israel says ambassador to Morocco takes up post after 20 years of embassy closure
-
422 Views Saudi Arabia’s FII confirms speakers, details for fourth annual forum
-
24083 Views Coronavirus: Dubai temporarily postpones Pfizer vaccine campaign amid global shortage
-
19770 Views Saudi Arabia’s PIF to invest 3 trillion riyals over next 10 years: Crown Prince
-
15654 Views Loud explosion heard in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh
-
10113 Views The American University of Beirut’s battle for survival
-
8801 Views Full moon to align directly above Kaaba in Mecca on Jan. 28
-
8448 Views Coronavirus: Dubai restaurants offer discounts for vaccinated diners
SHOW MORE