Death threats, disqualifications rock SAFA election

The congress will be held in Midrand, where incumbent president Danny Jordaan faces challenger Sandile Zungu in what has developed into an increasingly tense contest. Jordaan has occupied the presidency since 2013, while both candidates have publicly expressed confidence of securing a decisive victory.

However, tensions reached boiling point on Friday after Manzini Zungu, an ally of the presidential challenger, claimed on X that two KwaZulu-Natal regions supporting Sandile Zungu had been disqualified shortly before the election.

"They have just disqualified Harry Gwala Region and Amajuba KZN... you know the reason? For supporting Sandile Zungu," Zungu posted.

The claims came as SAFA confirmed that several delegates had received death threats, while others had allegedly been harassed and intimidated ahead of the congress.

"The South African Football Association has revealed that several delegates have received death threats while others have been harassed and intimidated ahead of the SAFA Elective Congress," the association said.

"SAFA takes these threats very seriously, and the police will be notified accordingly. Security around the venue has been tightened."

SAFA NEC member Bennet Bailey, who is aligned with the Zungu camp, also wrote to FIFA requesting an immediate postponement of the elections.

That request was unsuccessful, with SAFA confirming following an Extraordinary NEC Meeting in Midrand that the congress would proceed as scheduled.

"The Elective Congress will go ahead as planned after weeks of planning and preparation, and SAFA will protect the right of its members to freely exercise their choice to elect leaders," the association added.

Delegates will vote for the SAFA presidency, NEC and provincial office bearers. The electorate comprises representatives from 52 SAFA regions, the PSL and recognised Associate Members.

Representatives from FIFA, CAF, COSAFA and SASCOC, together with Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, are expected to attend, while IEMSA will oversee the voting process.