A club official has lodged a formal complaint with SAFA, accusing referees of “unashamedly requesting bribes.” The accusation comes amid growing concerns over the country’s standard of refereeing.
Last week, three match officials were suspended for four months following a high-profile blunder in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. The incident, involving Casric Stars and Venda FC, saw a crucial goal incorrectly allowed to stand, ultimately deciding the match.
The error, captured on video and widely shared on social media, sparked widespread outrage and calls for improved officiating in the PSL. However, the issue appears to extend beyond the professional ranks.
A club competing in the Ekurhuleni Hollywoodbets Men’s Regional League has also come forward with allegations of bribery attempts by referees. The club’s name is Germiston Ashfire United FC.
The chairman, Lesemang Matuka of the club, has written to express their deep concern to SAFA’s Ekurhuleni Regional president, Bonginkosi Job Mchunu.
SAFA has yet to respond to these serious allegations by Germiston Ashfire United FC.
THE CONTENTS OF THE FULL LETTER OF GERMISTON ASHFIRE UNITED FC TO SAFA
“I hereby wish to register my grave concern about the referees who are perpetually demanding bribes from us and call for action to be taken against these corrupt individuals,” reads the letter by Matuka.
“Germiston Ashfire has so far played a few games under SAFA Ekurhuleni Hollywoodbets Regional Men’s League. It is shocking that the referees who officiated the following matches have unashamedly requested bribes from us:
1. Nedbank Cup – Tembisa Legends VS Germiston Ashfire United
2. SAFA Ekurhuleni Hollywoodberts Regional Men’s League Games:
3 Germiston Ashfire United FC VS Cambridge.
4 Germiston Ashfire United VS KATHORUS Juventus Academy.
“I must say that the conduct of these unethical referees does not only impact negatively on the brand SAFA but it has also a potential of chasing away potential sponsors who might be interested in supporting our teams financially.
“To me, these match officials do not care about their careers and the development of football in the region. In fact, they are here to destroy football in the region and fill their stomachs with ill-gotten gains. Ashfire United Football Club is about football development. We will never tolerate corruption.
“We established the team to make a meaningful contribution to the development of football in the region. As a team, we insist on fair and disciplined play. We will endeavour to develop players and management teams who have respect for the league, opponents, opposing coaches and the judgement of referees.
“In doing so, we have taken a conscious decision to be a corrupt-free club. We are not going to stop at anything to expose corrupt and unethical match officials who are hellbent at destroying our football development.
MATUKA SLAMS CORRUPTION IN SAFA
“The growth of football in the region is being destroyed by a few cutthroat match officials who have no shame in asking teams for bribes before officiating games. Potential sponsors present at the game were horrified at the conduct of the officials representing the Region that they were looking to invest in.
“The league is at the mercy of these few corrupt individuals who week in and week out destroy the integrity of the Region they represent.
“Football is a sport for the poorest of the poor, which has been lacking investment from the private sector. These disgusting actions by officials representing the Region cause immense damage to the integrity of the sport.”
Under the guidance of coach Joel Masilela and technical director Paradise Moeketsi, the club has been a beacon of hope in the local football scene. However, the club’s chairman, Matuka, fears corruption could be the detriment of the game.
In a letter addressed to SAFA on November 2nd, 2024, Matuka highlighted the club’s long-standing battle against corruption. This is a scourge that he believes is hindering the growth and investment in South African football.
“Big investors are often drawn to sports like cricket and rugby. This is while football, plagued by corruption, struggles to attract significant funding,” he lamented.
Matuka emphasised the importance of taking a stand against unethical practices. “We cannot remain silent in the face of such corruption. Either we fight for a fair and transparent system or risk being consumed by it. I would rather leave football altogether than compromise my integrity.”
As the club awaits SAFA’s response to the allegations, it remains committed to exposing corruption and advocating for a cleaner and more equitable football environment.
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