"FIFA has concluded the first stage of its security process which has involved interviewing a number of people from Safa, or formerly from the association, who could assist the investigation. Interviews with the officiating referees and some forensic documentary material remain outstanding, but with the support of Safa will be undertaken as soon as possible," according to FIFA security head, Chris Eaton.
"In view of the material already in the public domain in South Africa and the fact that Safa has deferred this inquiry to Fifa, some preliminary and therefore necessarily tentative conclusions should be made. Firstly it is clear that the convicted criminal and football match-fixer, Wilson Raj Perumal, was involved in convincing Safa to agree to a company then managed by him ( Football4U) to select, fund and appoint referees to certain international matches played in 2010 which are now under investigation. It should also be said that to date there is no information, suggestion or evidence that any player or team, including the national South African team, was in any way complicit with any attempt to manipulate a match outcome," Eaton added.
Safa CEO Dr Robin Petersen echoed Eaton's sentiments when he said that the investigation will be concluded as fast as possible, while respecting due process and extending full opportunities for anyone to contribute to arriving at the complete truth of these matters. Dr Petersen again appealed to anyone who believe that they have material evidence to submit their information directly to his office.
