CAF boss Motsepe addresses SA Sport minister’s FIFA letter

CAF president Patrice Motsepe has offered a diplomatically worded caution regarding the highly scrutinised letter sent by South African Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, to FIFA concerning the recent administrative blunder involving Bafana Bafana.

The controversy stems from FIFA’s decision to dock the South African team three crucial points for illegally fielding Mamelodi Sundowns star Teboho Mokoena during a World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.

While South Africa managed to secure qualification despite the sanction, Minister McKenzie (in a letter dated October 16, 2025) formally apologised to FIFA President Gianni Infantino and demanded accountability from the South African Football Association (SAFA).

This act places McKenzie in direct opposition to SAFA President Danny Jordaan, who has publicly declared the Mokoena matter “closed.”

Motsepe Warns: SA Minister’s FIFA Apology Must Respect Non-Interference Rules

Speaking at an event in Johannesburg on Friday, Motsepe addressed the fine line between government oversight and FIFA’s strict statutes against state interference in member associations’ affairs.

Motsepe emphasised the established global protocol: “All of the countries on the continent, I think, there is a clear understanding of the role and the partnerships with government and the sovereignty of every nation.”

He clearly outlined FIFA’s core non-interference principle: “The issues that relate to football are that the government does not interfere.”

Motsepe expressed confidence that Minister McKenzie’s actions were taken within these bounds, but left no doubt that the rules must be upheld. “So I would imagine what the Minister of Sports in South Africa’s communication with FIFA would have been within those strict perimeters,” he said. “If there are any issues, then I am confident there would be discussions to make sure that the perimeters are respected.”

The Minister’s letter, which sought accountability while assuring FIFA of non-interference in SAFA’s day-to-day operations, has divided local opinion over whether it was an act of necessary redress or a potential violation of the association’s sovereignty.