Football: Death threats rock SAFA election ahead of Saturday’s crucial vote
By Akpo Esco
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has revealed that several delegates have received death threats ahead of Saturday’s SAFA Elective Congress.
SAFA confirmed that other delegates have been harassed and intimidated. The organisation is preparing for a crucial election that will determine its leadership.
“Several delegates have received death threats while others have been harassed and intimidated ahead of the SAFA Elective Congress,” SAFA said in a statement.
The association has taken the threats seriously and confirmed that the police will be notified accordingly. Security around the venue has also been tightened ahead of Saturday’s election.
The SAFA Elective Congress will take place on Saturday, 12 September 2026. The association insists that the election will go ahead as planned.
“SAFA takes these threats very seriously and the police will be notified accordingly,” the association said.
The FA described the latest developments as an escalation following what it called calculated attempts to derail the Elective Congress and cast aspersions about the electoral processes.
The association says weeks of planning and preparation have gone into the event. The Congress will proceed despite the threats.
“The Elective Congress will go ahead as planned after weeks of planning and preparation,” SAFA confirmed.
The association also stressed that its members must be allowed to exercise their voting rights freely.
“SAFA will protect the right of its members to freely exercise their right to elect leaders of their choice,” the statement added.
Culled from Africa sport desks
