Football: Claims against South Africa coach dismissed
PUBLISHED ONApril 17, 2014 1:16 PM
JOHANNESBURG - South Africa coach Gordon Igesund was cleared Thursday of allegations by officials that he incited players to demand higher bonuses before a tournament last January.
National football association president Danny Jordaan told a media conference at Johannesburg international airport that there was no substance to the claims.
Jordaan also said there was no truth to allegations that national team selections were influenced by player agents.
A five-man team led by advocate Norman Arendse, a former president of the national cricket association, investigated the claims.
The accusations were made after hosts South Africa suffered a humiliating first round exit from the African Nations Championship (CHAN) for home-based footballers.
Igesund, who has coached a record four clubs to the South African league title, succeeded sacked Pitso Mosimane two years ago and his contract expires in July.
It is not expected to be renewed after disappointing results in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, 2014 World Cup qualifiers and the CHAN.
Media reports have linked Portuguese Carlos Queiroz, who will coach Iran at the 2014 World Cup, to the post.