MEDIA STATEMENT
The South African Football Clubs Association (SAFOCA) wishes to address the ongoing injustices faced by football clubs across South Africa.
For many years, football clubs have remained the backbone of the game by developing talent, participating in competitions and contributing to the growth of South African football. Despite this vital role, numerous clubs are still owed millions of rands by the South African Football Association (SAFA).
While clubs continue to struggle financially, members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) have continued receiving honoraria, while many clubs remain unpaid and unsupported.
This situation goes against the vision of the late founders of SAFA, whose intention was to build a football federation that serves and protects all stakeholders. Instead, the current SAFA Constitution largely protects executives while failing to adequately recognise and safeguard the interests of clubs and referees.
SAFOCA therefore calls on all football clubs not to pay any affiliation or registration fees to SAFA until all monies owed to clubs have been fully settled.
Many clubs operate without sponsors or sustainable funding, yet they are expected to continue paying fees while outstanding payments remain unresolved. This is unfair, unacceptable and cannot continue.
SAFOCA is also deeply concerned that since 2014, SAFA has not had a fully functional judicial body, resulting in inconsistencies, delays and decisions influenced by favouritism and personal interests rather than justice and accountability.
SAFOCA’s Key Concerns:
NEC members continue receiving honoraria while clubs struggle financially.
Clubs have been owed millions of rands for years.
The current SAFA Constitution protects executives more than clubs.
Clubs and referees receive inadequate support and recognition.
Clubs should not pay any fees until all monies owed are settled.
The absence of a functional judicial body has undermined fairness and accountability within SAFA.
SAFOCA remains committed to fighting for justice, accountability and transparency in South African football. Our members are still owed significant amounts, and we will continue to advocate for their rights until every club receives what it is due.
No Justice. No Payment
We Stand for Clubs. We Fight for Justice. Strong Clubs. Strong Football. Strong Nation.
