Safa to vote on its NEC directive

SA not supporting bid by Morocco

SA Football Association (Safa) president Danny Jordaan has cleared up his organisation’s position regarding their support for the nations bidding to host the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

It was reported earlier this week that Sports Minister Thokozile Xasa was not happy with recent quotes attributed to Jordaan that Safa would back the Moroccan bid.

The minister was very forthright and said the government would not support Morocco’s bid.

Cornered at Safa House yesterday‚ Jordaan said: “Safa has issued a statement and its position is very clear.

“We’re going to have an NEC [national executive committee] meeting because these things are determined by the NEC, not just individuals.

“The vote is on June 13 in Moscow and we will vote according to the mandate that we will get from the NEC.”

SA’s position stems from their strained relations with the north African country, which saw Morocco withdrawing its ambassador from Pretoria in 2004 when SA recognised the independence of Western Sahara.

Safa’s vote has been seen as one of the most influential in southern Africa and already Morocco and USA have come before their NEC to present their bids.

The Moroccans are up against USA‚ Mexico and Canada who are presenting a joint bid.