Jordan: Football Has Suffered

Jordan: Football Has Suffered
Posted: 6 October 2021

Bafana Bafana are set to host Ethiopia in the return leg of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at the majestic FNB Stadium next week Tuesday, with supporters set to be granted entry for the first time in eighteen (18) long months.

The President of the South African Football Association (SAFA), Dr. Danny Jordan, has outlined the importance of having football fans and supporters alike in stadiums, but starting with how they will comply, saying;

“Well it’s important that we observe all the regulations and we are in full compliance with the requirements as set out by the Department of Health and the government.

On how football has suffered with no supporters, he said;

“The consequence of that (not having supporters in football stadiums) is that it has not had the impact on football itself, but an impact on the economy on matchday.

“For example, on matchday, there are transport requirements – normally fans would travel in taxis and because their not traveling to the stadiums, all of that income is lost and it is significant, which is a huge loss to the taxi industry.

“The second thing is on the vendors in and around the stadium; they sell all sorts of food and other memorabilia. So if there is no one coming to the stadium, effectively, you’ve wiped out an income for all those people who depend on matchday income,” concluded Jordan.

The SAFA President has also confirmed that the Minister of Health, Mr. Joe Phaahla, will make an announcement tomorrow on how the entry and buying of football tickets will be handled.

Article By;
Selebalo Karabo Phasha.