'You will not silence me': Ledwaba calls for FIFA to disband SAFA's leadership

Ria Ledwaba was in fighting mood on Wednesday when she called on world football governing body FIFA to disband the leadership of the South African Football Association (SAFA) and install a normalisation committee.  

The former SAFA vice-president is involved in a protracted legal battle against the association she deputised for from 2018 until 2022, when she failed to topple Danny Jordaan in the race for SAFA's presidency. 

Ledwaba challenged the constitutionality of the organising surrounding the 2022 elections, arguing that the process was flawed – and thus, the elections ought to be declared null and void. 

The Pretoria High Court ruled against Ledwaba, but she has taken the matter on appeal, which is why it then came as a surprise to her and her legal team to receive a letter from SAFA on 6 March banning her from all football activities and declaring her persona non grata.

Ledwaba's lawyers wrote to SAFA challenging that ban, which was based on the ruling of Judge John Holland-Muter because since the matter has been taken on appeal, that ruling has been suspended. 

Instead of responding to the lawyers, SAFA instead wrote back to Ledwaba on 20:20 on Tuesday telling her they have lifted the ban but added a disclaimer that hinted that the battle is far from over. 

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"…(B)y virtue of the fact that you are nowhere within the structures of SAFA with no locus standi and as such we have no jurisdiction over you, we regret having sent you the letter dated 06 March 2024 which is hereby withdrawn," SAFA, through their chief executive Lydia Monyepao, wrote to Ledwaba. 

"However, if and when you wish to become active in South African football or