Competition Commission, agents wrangle goes on

SA intermediaries accused of collusion

The saga involving the South African Football Intermediaries Association (Safia) and the Competition Commission is far from over.

In October, the commission launched an investigation into the football agents’ alleged collusion over what they charge players and coaches for negotiating their transfer fees, contracts as well as wages.

Safia distanced themselves from any wrongdoing, but the commission pressed on and the agents were asked to file answering affidavits to the charges.

The commission’s head of communications, Sipho Ngwema, confirmed to Sowetan yesterday that most of the intermediaries have since responded.

“Twenty-one respondents, including Safia, filed answers while 16 respondents are yet to file their answers to charges against them,” Ngwema responded via e-mail, without giving further details.

Arthur Dhlamini, the attorney representing the agents, yesterday confirmed that they are now waiting for the commission to advise on the way forward. “We have submitted, now the ball is in their court for them to take the matter further,” Dhlamini said.

“I’m representing 17 respondents and I know there are some guys who are going on their own. The commission has appointed an attorney and now it’s for them to probably file documents to our answering affidavits. They must file.

“For all intents and purposes, we’ve been dealing with the Competitions Commission and the Tribunal directly in terms of sending our answering affidavits based on the charges. But a week or two ago we received a letter whereby they are saying they are now appointing attorneys,” Dhlamini continued.

As things stand, more answering affidavits are expected from Safia members and the commission will then map the way forward.