SAFA PERSONS OF INTEREST - YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT. . .

Blood pressure levels must be off the charts amongst certain sporting officials following FIFA's confirmation that South Africa paid a $10 million bribe to host the 2010 World Cup. Although South Africa, through its sports minister, has in the past vigorously denied corruption allegations, now may be the time to recant, and more so, in light of FIFA's wide ranging admission to US authorities by openly accusing South Africa of bribery to secure votes. One must conclude that FIFA's announcement was based on months of intensive investigation in cooperation with Swiss and US authorities. It is highly doubtful that FIFA would have taken this step unless there is clear and convincing evidence of South Africa's involvement in the bribery scandal. Speculation abounds that one or more SAFA members are persons of interest that may explain Danny Jordaan's deafening silence, and absence from FIFA's recent presidential election meeting in Switzerland for fear of arrest by Swiss authorities. The bribery scandal has damaged South Africa's reputation and standing in the international community. Government must desist from further denials and/or cover-ups, and cooperate in ongoing investigations because the country's credibility is at stake. To this end, one hopes that sports minister Mbalula refrains from his usual fatuous comments. A case in point: several months ago in denying South Africa's involvement in the bribery scandal Mbalula offered a gem worth repeating - bribery is "like a ghost. You will never find it". Not so, as high-powered ghostbusters are hard at work unravelling the bribery labyrinth.