SAFA finds itself in the middle of a stew, with the Gauteng wing of Mzansi football's mother body facing allegations of forgery, and a former PSL team's possible promotion now hanging in the balance.
Nigerian footballer Franklin Ogbonna is accused of using fraudulent study and general work visas while playing for Highlands Park this season.
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If found guilty by SAFA on the matter, with the player reportedly in the country illegally, the club could lose approximately 57 points.
They currently have 83 points after 34 matches, placing them six ahead of second-placed Gomora United.
This website understands a case has been opened against SAFA Gauteng and Highlands Park.
It is believed Ogbonna joined the club from Jomo Cosmos, where he allegedly began playing with fraudulent registrations.
"SAFA must explain how they registered a player without proper documentation, especially one who is in the country illegally. As clubs (in the province), we have signed a petition to request the removal of Victor Raletjena (SAFA Gauteng administrator)," Joe Seanego, Gomora United boss, told KickOff.com via telephone.
"Ogbonna is not the only player affected. There is significant corruption in Gauteng, and referees are captured. We are spending a lot of money here, and we can't allow the administration to capture us.
"There is also a player for La Masia, but fortunately, they didn't play him. He's a foreigner considered (to be) an U23 player. There is another case against Victor for registering a player without proper documentation. So, how are we supposed to win the league?
"As clubs, we demand the immediate removal of Victor Raletjena from office.
"Ogbonna’s passport was certified on September 27, 2024, so how is it possible for him to have played a league game against Gomora on September 28, 2024? When did the registration process occur? When did he receive his SAFA card? When did he apply for a visa? The school he claims to be studying at does not recognise him.
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"This is a serious matter, and we need to ensure fairness. We cannot manage our teams like this. However, SAFA is already involved - the case has gone to arbitration, and Highlands Park has appealed, with the hearing set for Saturday at 10:00. It's all the Gauteng province teams against Highlands Park."
Contacted for his side of the story, Raletjena promised to contact KickOff.com after speaking with his superiors.
