STATEMENT OF FORMER PRESIDENT THABO MBEKI ON BRIBARY ALLEGATIONS IN EXCHANGE FOR SOUTH AFRICA TO HOST THE 2010 SOCCER WORLD CUP.

As former President of the Republic of South Africa, I have noted reports alleging that bribes were solicited and paid to some officials of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) in exchange for our country to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

I am not aware of anybody who solicited a bribe from the Government for the purpose of our country being awarded the right to host the World Cup. As Minister of Sport and Recreation, Fikile Mbalula, has stated on behalf of the Government, no public money was ever 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 further comments on this matter.

Statement issued by the Office by the Office of former President Thabo Mbeki, May 29 2015