The goverment of the Republic of South Africa has denied alleged pledge to support the Confederation of African football President Issa Hayatou.
In a release sent to media houses and signed by Minister of Sport and Recreation, Fikile Mbalula, the goverment announced that Zuma could not in good conscience endorse vote for Hayatou, saying that he only wished him well as he could to other candidate.
“Having been appraised by the SAFA president of Mr.Hayatou’s candidacy,President Zuma wished him well as he would do to other candidates.
“Abiding by the principle of non-inteference in the affairs of football democracy,President Zuma did not pledge his personal support or that of the SouthAfrican goverment behind the name of Hayatou,”reads part of the statement.
In doing so, President Zuma clarified earlier reports from the CAF that indicated he did support eighth term of one of longest serving football administrator.
Issa Hayatou has presided over African football since 1988 and will be standing in the elections in March to be held in Ethiopia.
Council of Southern Africa Football Association (Cosafa) became the latest member of football family to publicly refuse to back the 70 year old plus administrator by supporting candidature of their own,current Madagascar FA president Ahmad.
