COSAFA has responded to the South African Football Association [SAFA] regarding their decision to stop hosting their tournaments in the country.
SAFA recently made it clear, in no uncertain terms, that they would not be allowing the regional football body to host any of their future tournaments in the country.
The SA Football Association haven’t been best pleased by the manner COSAFA has gone about hosting their tournaments in South Africa.
SAFA NOT HAPPY WITH COSAFA
In fact, SAFA’s National Executive Committee [NEC] resolved that COSAFA was in breach of its statutes and should give other countries in the region a chance to host tournaments.
SAFA CEO Advocate Tebogo Motlanthe explained how the hosting of these tournaments in the country without the association bidding for them, was affecting their own plans.
“When you go to different government departments, they say their budgets have been spent on COSAFA tournaments. COSAFA tournaments are classified as football,” said Motlanthe.
“So the NEC has taken a firm decision that we must write to them to say we have hosted as a country. And it is enough. Give others a chance.”
In a bid to clear what they have described as a “misunderstanding” COSAFA has indicated they are looking to hold talks with SAFA.
The regional football body is determined to “iron out any differences. This is so that the matter can be resolved amicably” between themselves and SAFA.
COSAFA RESPONDS TO SAFA
“COSAFA has noted with concern the unfortunate statements made by the South African Football Association. The statement is regarding hosting future COSAFA tournaments in South Africa,” read a statement from the regional football body.
“COSAFA wishes to confirm that it is determined to clear any misunderstandings which may have arisen with SAFA.
“To this end. The COSAFA leadership is pursuing bilateral talks with SAFA. This is so that both parties can iron out any differences so that the matter can be resolved amicably.
“COSAFA remains committed to delivering on its mandate of developing football in Southern Africa. And to bring together its 14 member associations to realise its shared dream of conquering African football.”
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