Safa in favour of biennial World Cup plans

The South African Football Association (Safa) NEC has thrown its weight behind the suggestion of the Fifa World Cup (for both men and women) being held after every 2 years.

The Safa CEO has therefore been mandated to write an official letter to Fifa confirming Safa’s decision.

The NEC resolved that having the Fifa World Cup will help the African continent a great deal as more tournaments translate to more opportunities for African teams.

The Safa NEC also resolved that Fifa should be encouraged to revisit the rotation system to avoid one or two continents monopolising the hosting of Fifa World Cup events.

With regards to the Fifa Club World Cup, the Safa NEC said the issue of the short period of time left to bid and put all processes in place was proving a challenge. The Fifa Club World Cup is scheduled to take place in December.Safa will liaise with the government regarding the return of fans to the stadiums that is a prerequisite for hosting the Club World Cup.

For South Africa to host the Club Fifa World Cup, the nation needs to reach the 70 per cent vaccination threshold. South Africa is currently red-listed by Great Britain, where European champions Chelsea will come from, another possible hindrance to the process. Therefore, the Safa NEC resolved that they will not be pursuing the matter of hosting this event.

With regards to fans returning to the stadiums, the Safa NEC resolved that football should play a major role in the vaccination drive.

Safa NEC members will have to be vaccinated and show the vaccination certificates, failure of which one would have to produce a recent negative Covid-19 results whenever they attend meetings.

Everyone attending the Safa meetings and events including the support staff should also be vaccinated. These include all players playing in the Safa competitions, referees, coaches and everyone involved. Those that do not meet the requirements will not be allowed to participate in any football events. The deadline for this drive is 30 October 2021.

Meanwhile, only fans that are vaccinated will get free entry into the forthcoming Qatar 2022 Fifa World Cup match between South Africa and Ethiopia that is scheduled to take place at FNB Stadium on 12 October.

In the same breath, Safa’s Special Member, the NSL has resolved to use the Soweto Derby to encourage mass vaccination.

The more people are vaccinated the more economic opportunities are opened up for those selling their products. Taxi drivers who take fans to the stadiums will also be encouraged to vaccinate and the football industry will engage various taxi associations to work together.