Parly's sport committee says it won't stop probing finances, management of SARU & SAFA

CAPE TOWN - Parliament's sport, arts and culture committee says it won’t stop probing the finances and management of two of the country's biggest sporting codes. 

Chairperson Joe McGluwa said it would take up the invitation from the SA Rugby Union (SARU) to probe its finances in the wake of a private equity deal being rebuffed by the majority of its affiliated unions. 

Briefing the media on priorities for the new year in Parliament on Thursday, McGluwa said the committee also had its sights on football association, SAFA.

Last year, SARU rebuffed Parliament’s invitations to talk about a proposed equity deal, finally pitching in December, just days before the proposal was put to the vote. 

It's reported the US-based Ackerley Sports Group is revising its bid for commercial rights over the Springboks.

McGluwa said that Parliament can't be left in the dark on future discussions. 

"We have the greatest appetite to meet with them again but I believe it must be beyond this deal. It's my opinion that this deal has the potential to divide South Africans. We also call on SARU to keep us informed."

McGluwa said the committee would also want to get to the bottom of the goings-on at SAFA House amid reports of players not receiving adequate financial support during international trips. 

"We would like to see what’s happening with the governance. The minister has assisted them financially, but these are the issues to take up with SAFA itself."

McGluwa said the committee could not comment on the criminal case involving SAFA boss, Danny Jordaan, until the matter had concluded in court.