SAFA vice-president Bennt Bailey demands FIFA investigation into electoral process

South African Football Association (SAFA) vice-president Bennt Bailey has demanded that FIFA launch an investigation into the association’s electoral process, insisting the world football governing body must determine whether the upcoming presidential elections should proceed as scheduled.

Bailey revealed that he and his allies have formally written to FIFA, raising concerns about the conduct of SAFA’s internal elections and calling for an independent probe before the elective conference on September 12.

The senior football administrator believes FIFA should thoroughly examine the issues surrounding the association’s election process, particularly amid ongoing disputes that have already resulted in legal action.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Bailey alleged there had been interference during the SAFA Cape Town elections, although he did not elaborate on the nature of the alleged interference.

“When we got to our elections we saw there was interference in our SAFA Cape Town elections and we speculated where it was coming from but we didn’t really worry about it because we know we have the majority support,” Bailey said.

He stressed that FIFA’s intervention is necessary to safeguard the credibility and integrity of the electoral process, arguing that the global governing body—not SAFA—should decide whether conditions are suitable for the elections to go ahead.

“We ask FIFA to conduct an investigation because there are a lot of things which happen with elections, and people are now going to court,” he said.

“We ask FIFA to investigate that, and if they are of the opinion that we are good to go for the 12th of September then we do that, but FIFA must decide.”

Bailey’s call comes ahead of a crucial election that will determine the future leadership of South African football, with incumbent president Danny Jordaan expected to seek a fourth term in office.

While Bailey has publicly backed challenger Sandile Zungu, he insists that his immediate priority is ensuring FIFA investigates the electoral process and determines whether the election can proceed in a transparent and credible manner. The outcome of any FIFA investigation could have significant implications for SAFA’s governance and the scheduled September 12 elective conference.