Safa Cape Town president Bennett Bailey (pictured) might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there is no denying that he is indeed a mover and a shaker in the soccer world.
This is evident after the Safa CT soccer boss landed a high-profile job with football’s governing body, Fifa.
The appointment, confirmed in a letter from FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström following the FIFA Council’s sitting on 2 October 2025, places Mr. Bailey among an esteemed global panel tasked with addressing one of football’s most important mandates — the ongoing fight against racism and discrimination in the sport
Bailey’s office released a press statement on Wednesday, 8 October, which states: The appointment, confirmed in a letter from FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström following the FIFA Council’s sitting on 2 October 2025, places Mr. Bailey among an esteemed global panel tasked with addressing one of football’s most important mandates – — the ongoing fight against racism and discrimination in the sport.
“The South African Football Association (SAFA) Cape Town is proud to announce that its President, Mr. Bennett Bailey, has been appointed by FIFA to serve as a Member of the FIFA Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee for the 2025–2029 term.
Bailey, a lifelong advocate for equality and transformation in South African football, has
served as President of SAFA Cape Town since 2021 and has been instrumental in driving inclusive development at grassroots and elite levels across the region. His leadership has consistently emphasized ethical governance, player welfare, and community empowerment through football.
“This appointment is not only a personal honour but a recognition of South Africa’s continued contribution to global football governance,” said Mr. Bailey. “Racism and discrimination have no place in the game, and I am deeply committed to working with FIFA and my fellow committee members to ensure that football remains a space of unity, respect, and opportunity for all.”
