Despite FIFA laws being against government interference, Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has threatened the leadership of the SA Football Association that there would be consequences should Bafana Bafana fail to qualify for Afcon and the World Cup.
McKenzie said he had issued SAFA with a directive to qualify for the two important tournaments, adding he will not continue to provide support to people who are not performing.
“I said to them: ‘Qualify for the World Cup, qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations.’ I’m giving them all the support now, but I can’t be giving people support until kingdom come, who are not performing,” McKenzie said
McKenzie added should Bafana fail to secure qualification to the two tournaments he would get people who can qualify.
“I’m going to make sure I’m public about it; they know it, and I know it. For now, they have my support, but soon, if they don’t qualify, we must get people that will qualify.”
McKenzie’s comments were directed at SAFA president Dr Danny Jordaan. However, the world’s football governing body’s rules are vehemently against government interference and McKenzie's plans could have unplanned consequences for the national team.
Articles 13 and 17 of the FIFA Regulations state that member organisations shall run their affairs without outside influence.
“Each member shall manage its affairs independently and with no influence from third parties.
"Violations of Act 13 paragraph 1(g) may lead to sanctions even if the third-party influence was not the fault of the member concerned."
In 2022, Zimbabwe was issued an 18 month ban by FIFA after the government sought to take control of the Zimbabwe Football Association.
As a result, Zimbabwe missed out on the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire. The ban was eventually lifted in 2023 paving the way for the Southern African nation to partake in ongoing World Cup and Afcon Qualifies.
FIFA has also previously banned countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, Guatemala and Pakistan for third-party interference.
IOL Sport