Following the recent Hawks raid at the SAFA headquarters in Nasrec, a lawyer representing Ria Ledwaba, a 2022 SAFA presidential election contender, has addressed the situation.
Ledwaba’s legal representative, Vernon Seymour, responded after claims in some circles that his client’s recent ban is linked to the much-publicised raid.
Ledwaba, who served as second in charge under Danny Jordaan, is banned from all football activities under SAFA’s jurisdiction. Coincidentally, the ban came a few days after the Hawks raid.
In a letter addressed to Ledwaba recently, SAFA said: “After careful consideration and thorough review of recent events, the SAFA National Executive Committee has decided that you are to be declared ‘persona non grata’ within our organisation.
“In other words, you are disqualified from all and every football and football-related activity under the jurisdiction of SAFA.” The former PSL club owner’s attorney revealed their intention to challenge SAFA’s decision to ban her.
Due to the serious nature of the matter, CAF expressed concern last week following the raid by the serious commercial crime investigation unit. The raid is connected to allegations of fraud and theft of R1.3 million allegedly involving SAFA president Jordaan.
CAF released a statement at the weekend stating, “CAF is concerned about the respect and image of football in South Africa following the raid at SAFA’s headquarters.”
However, SAFA strongly contested the allegations, issuing a statement characterising the raid as “shameful” and denying any misconduct.
LAWYER DISTANCES RIA LEDWABA FROM THE HAWKS RAID
But Seymour has distanced her from any links with the raid by the Hawks. He says Ledwaba will also avail herself if she is required to answer any questions.
“We don’t have the facts as to how and why certain things happen,” Seymour told FARPost.
FORMER SAFA VICE PRESIDENT IS AVAILABLE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM POLICE
“However, we have strong suspicions that they are trying to make a scapegoat out of Mme Ria Ledwaba. The facts are she has nothing to do with that case. That case was a complaint brought by other members of SAFA.
“However, if the police want to talk to her, because some of the allegations, from what I read, relate to her time when she was part of the NEC. She will be happy to answer any questions. She has no problems about that,” he added.
The former Ria Stars boss is set to host a media briefing soon to address her ban.
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