Mbalula denies WC 2010 allegations

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 27: Minister of Sport and Recreation, Fikile Mbalula speaks about the death of Senzo Meyiwa during the South African national womens soccer team press conference at SAFA House on October 27, 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images)

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 27: Minister of Sport and Recreation, Fikile Mbalula speaks about the death of Senzo Meyiwa during the South African national womens soccer team press conference at SAFA House on October 27, 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images)

Published May 28, 2015

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Johannesburg - Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula says the Fifa 2010 World Cup bribe allegations are a smear campaign and that South Africa is being victimised.

"I don't know $10 million, I have not seen it with my eyes," he said at a media briefing in Johannesburg on Thursday.

"We were not involved in any illegal transfers... The innocent are victimised and we shouldn't be the ones who are victimised." 

 

Mbalula claimed that the auditor-general found no $10m amount pertaining to the alleged bribe. 

 

"To say that our government is involved in the transfer of $10 million is a matter we don't take lightly."

 

He could not comment on speculation but said he would find out more about the alleged corruption through diplomatic channels.

 

Government would cooperate the the United States' investigation and anyone found to be involved with the alleged bribes would be dealt with accordingly, he said.

“If the FBI wants South Africa to be involved they know what to do, we don’t feel undermined in any way to what the Americans are pursuing.”

Though the SA government had not yet had direct contact with the US authority, Mbalula said the ministry would co-operate.

“The principal we’re raising is of sovereignty. It’s a serious matter, it’s important and we need to co-operate. It does constitute an element of disregard between the two countries as we were not made aware first.”

 

The Star and ANA

 

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