Parliament warns soccer bosses

2007-11-20 19:58

Johannesburg - South African soccer bosses have been warned of repercussions if they did not get their house in order, the SABC reported on Tuesday.

SABC quoted parliament's sport portfolio committee chair Butana Komphela as saying they should stop arguing about internal affairs, such as the payment of commissions.

Soccer bosses should sort out this matter for the sake of the sport in South Africa and the 2010 World Cup, Komphela said.

Premier Soccer League (PSL) executive members appeared before the committee on Tuesday to explain the payment of commission to individuals who secured sponsorships and broadcast rights on behalf of the league.

PSL member John Comitis told the committee he could not stand by and watch as money meant for football went into the pockets of certain individuals.

The matter should be laid to rest as soon as possible, he said.

PSL chair Irvin Khoza said there were still some contractual matters to be sorted out.

The principle that commission should be paid to the negotiating team was an uncontested decision of the executive committee of the PSL, he said.

It was decided that a commission of 10% should be paid to the negotiating parties on any new sponsorships obtained.

Another decision was that sponsorship negotiations should be handled from within the PSL rather than bringing in external third parties, Khoza said.

- SAPA