ARN News Centre

South Africa says it did not bribe FIFA to win World Cup 2010 bid

Thursday, 17 March 2016 17:08

South African businessman and International Federation of the Football Association (FIFA) candidate to the presidency Tokyo Sexwale, arrives for a press conference on October 27, 2015 at the South African football Association (SAFA) headquarters in Johann

South Africa says it did not bribe FIFA to win the right to host the World Cup 2010. Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula made the comments following football’s governing body’s claim that the country paid it $10 million (AED 37 million) to host the tournament. Mbalula also called on FIFA to retract its statement. The body sought compensation from its former executive committee members it said had accepted bribes in the awarding of World Cup hosting rights. Mbalula added that South Africa paid money to a legacy project in the African Diaspora in the Caribbean.

More from Sports

David Beckham knighted for services to sport and charity

David Beckham, one of Britain's most celebrated football players, was knighted by King Charles at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, recognising his decades-long contribution to sport and charitable causes.
Aryna Sabalenka challenges Nick Kyrgios in Dubai showdown

Tennis fans are in for a treat this December as WTA World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka takes on showman Nick Kyrgios in a one-off exhibition match, Battle of the Sexes: The Dubai Showdown.
Dubai Basketball continues unbeaten home run with win over Partizan

Dubai Basketball continued its perfect start in the ABA League with an 82:70 victory over Partizan in Round 5.
Sunderland's Xhaka earns draw after Ndiaye's stunner for Everton

Iliman Ndiaye scored a superb solo goal for Everton but Granit Xhaka's deflected equaliser secured a deserved point for Sunderland in their entertaining 1-1 Premier League draw at the Stadium of Light on Monday.
Rybakina enters semis, Anisimova beats Keys in WTA Finals

Elena Rybakina qualified for the WTA Finals' last four, beating an error-prone Iga Swiatek 3-6 6-1 6-0 on Monday, while Amanda Anisimova beat fellow American Madison Keys 4-6 6-3 6-2 in Riyadh.