/ 25 October 2004

Safa CEO quits

Albert Mokoena has quit his position as acting CEO of the South African Football Association (Safa). His resignation was announced by acting Safa president Reuben Mahlalela at a media briefing on Monday.

Mokoena — who has been the subject of media reports concerning his personal life and allegations that charges of intimidation had been laid against him — was not present at the briefing,

It was reported at the weekend that Mokoena had attacked his boyfriend after finding him with another woman. The woman, who recently took a retrenchment package from Safa, later laid charges of intimidation against Mokoena.

”I had a meeting with Mokoena to review all the weekend media reports,” said Mahlalela, ”but he dismissed most of the allegations. He said he would allow all the processes under way to be concluded, and he was confident that he would be vindicated.

”He decided that, in the meantime, he would not drag the association [Safa] into his personal matters. He then submitted his resignation, and gave no further explanation.”

”Safa appreciates the unselfish conduct by Mokoena of putting the interests of the association ahead of his own. We take this opportunity to thank him for his contribution and wish him well for the future.”

Safa has appointed Mahlalela to act as CEO until its national executive committee meets on Friday, when a decision will be taken on a way forward.

Mokoena was employed as chief operations officer for the past two years, and was asked by Safa to act as CEO after Danny Jordaan was seconded to the successful World Cup bid committee.