South African FA reports death threats to police ahead of elective congress

The South African Football Association (Safa) will notify police after several delegates received death threats and others were allegedly harassed and intimidated ahead of Saturday’s elective congress in Midrand.

The threats have forced Safa to tighten security around the congress venue, raising concerns over the safety of delegates attending one of the most closely contested elections in the association’s recent history.

Safa confirmed the development on Friday night and said it was taking the threats seriously.

“Safa takes these threats very seriously, and the police will be notified accordingly,” Safa said.

The association did not disclose the identities of the delegates who received the threats or provide details about the nature of the alleged intimidation.

Security tightened after threats

Safa said the latest incidents represented an escalation in tensions surrounding the elective congress after previous attempts to disrupt the process failed.

“These threats and intimidation are an escalation after the calculated attempts to derail the elective congress and cast aspersions about the processes failed to achieve the desired objective,” Safa said.

The association has consequently increased security measures around the venue as it prepares to host delegates from across South African football.

Safa also insisted that the threats would not force it to postpone the congress, with the election scheduled to go ahead as planned on Saturday.

“The elective congress will go ahead as scheduled after weeks of planning and preparation, and Safa will protect the right of its members to freely exercise their right to elect leaders of their choice.”

The reported threats come at a particularly sensitive moment for Safa, with the presidency being fiercely contested between incumbent Danny Jordaan and businessman and AmaZulu owner Sandile Zungu.

Jordaan, Zungu battle amid tense build-up

Jordaan is seeking another term as Safa president, while Zungu is attempting to unseat him in a contest that has generated considerable attention within South African football.

The intensity of the presidential race has heightened scrutiny around the congress, although Safa has not directly attributed the reported death threats to either campaign.

The election will determine more than just the association’s president, with delegates also voting for the national executive committee and provincial office-bearers.

The congress is expected to bring together key figures from South African football, with Safa having invited representatives from FIFA, CAF, COSAFA and Sascoc.

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie and football legends have also been invited to attend.

But with police set to be notified and security already tightened, the safety of delegates has become a major concern ahead of the vote.

Safa’s position remains that the election will proceed as scheduled and that its members must be allowed to cast their ballots without fear, intimidation or interference.