More SAFA drama as Ria Ledwaba files court application to stop presidential election

The long-standing battle between the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Ria Ledwaba has taken another dramatic turn in the lead up to the presidential elections on 25 June.

In a letter sent to SAFA national executive committee (NEC) members, which is in Sport24's possession, the mother body confirms that their vice-president Ledwaba has filed applications to the Gauteng and Western Cape High Courts to stop the presidential election.

"The vice president of the South African Football Association (SAFA), Ms Ria Ledwaba has approached the court on an urgent basis to stop the SAFA elections scheduled for 25 June," the document reads.

"The matter is between Ms Ledwaba, SAFA, All Members of the Governance Committee and the Chairperson of the Ethics Committee Justice Sisi Khampepe. This matter is brought on behalf of Ms Ria Ledwaba and SAFA Vhembe. SAFA has already filed a notice for an intention to oppose this matter.

"Further note that this matter was also referred to SASCOC, CAF and FIFA. We wish to confirm that every nominated candidate as submitted to the CEO was forwarded to the Governance Committee for integrity check and finalisation.

"The final list has been received and was forwarded to all members. SAFA is satisfied that it has met the provisions of the SAFA Statutes and the governance requirements and will proceed with the arrangements of the Elective Congress on 25 June 2022."

In the document, which is signed by SAFA CEO Advocate Tebogo Motlanthe, the organisation spells out that Ledwaba's actions are contrary to their's and world governing body FIFA's statutes by approaching ordinary courts.

"In both the FIFA and SAFA statutes members are prohibited to take football matters to ordinary courts. The final