Former president Thabo Mbeki today said that he was unaware of any bribes solicited to boost South Africa’s chance to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
Mbeki said in a statement he had noted reports alleging that bribes were paid to Fifa officials‚ but that Minister of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula had already stated no public money was used to pay a bribe.
“I wish to state that the government that I had the privilege to lead would never have paid any bribe even if it were solicited. It is therefore unnecessary for me or my office to make any further comments on this matter‚” the statement read.
According to a US indictment‚ a bribe of more than $10m was allegedly paid to secure SA’s hosting of the 2010 tournament. After the bribe was allegedly arranged‚ “the South Africans were unable to arrange for payment to come directly from government funds”.
It was then allegedly organised that the payment was from Fifa funding earmarked for supporting SA’s bid to host the World Cup.
SA secured the event in 2004‚ edging out Morocco and Egypt.
Mbeki denies Fifa bribe under his watch
Mbeki said in a statement he had noted reports alleging that bribes were paid to Fifa officials‚ but that Minister of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula had already stated no public money was used to pay a bribe.
“I wish to state that the government that I had the privilege to lead would never have paid any bribe even if it were solicited. It is therefore unnecessary for me or my office to make any further comments on this matter‚” the statement read.
According to a US indictment‚ a bribe of more than $10m was allegedly paid to secure SA’s hosting of the 2010 tournament. After the bribe was allegedly arranged‚ “the South Africans were unable to arrange for payment to come directly from government funds”.
It was then allegedly organised that the payment was from Fifa funding earmarked for supporting SA’s bid to host the World Cup.
SA secured the event in 2004‚ edging out Morocco and Egypt.
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