/ 9 July 1997

‘Safa legally bound to ASI’

WEDNESDAY, 2.30PM:

AWESOME Sports International (ASI) is still the marketing arm of the South African Football Association (Safa). The chief executive officer of Safa, Danny Jodaan, has denied reports that Safa has terminated its contract with ASI. According to Jordaan, nothing has changed and ASI will handle Safa’s international programme.

“Legally, ASI is still the marketing arm of Safa and it is not our function to think differently,” said Jordaan.

On Monday it was reported that Safa terminated the contract with ASI in line with the recommendations of the Pickard Commision. In April, Safa proposed to the soccer indaba that it institute its own marketing department. “It would be responsible for all matters relating to the commercial aspect of the game and ensure that the soccer needs of all concerned are met,” said Jordaan at the time.

ASI’s contract expires in September and it has submitted a proposal to continue as Safa’s marketing arm. “We have identified the people who will head this department and the marketing director will be named soon,” Jordan said. He said ASI’s presentaton will also be considered.