COSATU condemns Absa soccer payments

By Marthe van der Wolf
2 October 2007

The Congress of South Africa Trade Unions (COSATU) is concerned that senior soccer administrators had been paid R50 million in commission by Absa bank. The bank paid the commission after Absa got the contract to become the new sponsor of soccer in South Africa.

COSATU says that soccer administrators were appointed to serve the sport, the players, the clubs and their supporters. "While their responsibilities legitimately include seeking business sponsorship. It is immoral if not illegal for them to receive huge bonuses and commissions from sponsors for performing their normal duties," says National spokesperson of COSATU Patrick Craven.

The Minister of Finance Trevor Manuel has condemned the payments as well. "The individuals are elected into office to serve the interests of the sport code. Most of them have private interests for profit, both inside soccer and outside of it," says Manuel, "Making such an irregular payment is wrong, morally reprehensible and corrupt."

COSATU demands that the payments be reversed and the money given to the clubs and players. "If the lion’s share of that amount were invested in the proper organisation and development of junior soccer leagues, it would be a wise investment," says Manuel.

Recently a report revealed that 51% of PSL players earn less than the R10 000 minimum wage that has been recommended by the South African Football Players Union (SAFPU). Some players earn as little as R1000 a month. SAFPU demands at least 10% of this TV money for the union.

"It is scandalous that when so many players and clubs are struggling to make ends meet and trying to beg a few crumbs from the elite’s table," says Craven.