SAFA makes U-turn on Ria Ledwaba ban
The South African Football Association has rescinded its decision to ban former SAFA vice-president Ria Ledwaba from all domestic football activities.
Earlier this month, SAFA declared Ledwaba a "persona non grata", effectively banning her from all SAFA programmes.
Ledwaba has been given a cold shoulder since her decision to legally challenge SAFA over the presidential elections of June 2022, which saw the re-election of Danny Jordaan.
The decision was announced by attorney and former SAFA CEO Leslie Sedibe during a media briefing in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
“After thorough consultation with our legal team and studying the judgment further, we noted that the judge held that... you are no longer a member of SAFA, nor do you hold a position within a position of SAFA and as such have no 'loco standing' to invoke the SAFA statute...
"By virtue that you are nowhere within the structures of SAFA and as such, we have no jurisdiction over you, we regret having sent you a letter dated 6 March 2024, which is hereby withdrawn."
Ledwaba said she doesn't believe the entire executive body made the decision, but only one person.
"Now I must be declared 'persona non grata' after contributing so much to the football with my own money. I have not regained my money to make what our football it is today. I don't believe that the executive took that decision, I know that is how Safa operates."
The South African Football Association could not be reached for comment.
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