Unperturbed Safa brushes off PSL over refs sponsor
Governing body says Fifa okayed it
The SA Football Association (Safa) is not losing any sleep over the disputed Outsurance referees sponsorship deal worth R50m over five years.
PSL chairman Irvin Khoza told the media on Thursday in a press conference at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park that the deal could possibly diminish the value of the league’s financial backers such as title sponsor Absa.
“When [the] sponsors cannot anymore rely on the protection of their rights by the [PSL], you are heading towards a dark place,” said Khoza.
“The dispute created by the agreement between Safa and OUTsurance has far-reaching implications.”
He said Absa, knockout competition sponsors MTN and Telkom, could be within their rights in claiming that their products are being devalued and decide to pull out.
The Iron Duke further suggested that the sponsorship may not be in line with Fifa’s statutes, which state in part that “sponsor advertising on the shirts of match officials shall be permitted only if it does not create a conflict of interest with advertisers worn by either of the two teams participating”.
“This is the challenge that we are facing and are trying to get answers to. We will be meeting with our lawyer to try and understand how best we can resolve this matter in the interest of football,” Khoza.
In response, Safa spokesperson Dominic Chimhavi said the association has been in contact with Fifa on a daily basis regarding the matter.
“We have received an unqualified assurance from the world governing body,” commente d Chimhavi.
Based on what PSL senior officials said, it would appear Safa has not been willing to engage them despite repeated attempts to meet its president, Danny Jordaan.
Kaizer Motaung, a member of the PSL’s executive committee, expressed disappointment in how the matter has played out.
“There are people out there who thrive on ambush marketing, so if we don’t respect contracts with our sponsors, this will not be in the interest of football at large in the country,” Motaung said.
Also on the agenda was the matter of Black Leopards boss David Thidiela who has been placed on “precautionary suspension” after verbally attacking referee, Victor Hlungwani, last weekend when his side lost 1-0 to Bloemfontein Celtic at Thohoyandou Stadium.
‘ ‘ We have received an unqualified assurance from Fifa