Athletics South Africa (ASA) has removed its suspended president James Moloi after an inquiry found he misused a federation credit card. The move has not ended the federation’s dispute with World Athletics, IOL reported.
World Athletics has given ASA six months to carry out wide governance reforms. If it fails, ASA could face a provisional international suspension under Article 13 of the World Athletics constitution.
The dispute comes as the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) prepares to name a candidate host city. The city would front a bid for the 2036 or 2040 Olympic Games.
Sascoc plans to make the announcement in Johannesburg on Thursday, according to IOL.
The inquiry into Moloi was led by retired Judge Basheer Waglay. The panel found him guilty of serious financial misconduct involving the federation’s corporate credit card.
According to the findings, the card was used for personal spending. This included vehicle maintenance, clothing and restaurant bills.
World Athletics had demanded that Moloi be removed at once and without conditions. It insisted that ASA act on the Waglay findings without delay.
A suspension would stop South African athletes from competing around the world under the national flag. They would miss Diamond League meetings, Continental Tour events and the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing.
IOL reported that a ban would also disrupt preparations and qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. It could put Olympic solidarity funding at risk as well.
World Athletics rejected ASA’s draft constitution. The global body ruled that it did not include key governance rules, such as term limits that can be enforced.
The draft also lacked independent non-executive directors and its own athlete representation, World Athletics said.
World Athletics and the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) then appointed Zakhele Dlamini to oversee the redrafting. Dlamini is president of Athletics Eswatini and vice-president of the CAA.
Under the World Athletics mandate, adopting the new constitution means the current ASA board must be dissolved. New national elections would then be held.
ASA’s interim leadership also faces questions. Acting president John Mathane has been accused of interfering in the process of the Moloi inquiry.
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture earlier reviewed forensic findings about the federation. These findings recommended that several executive board members be suspended.
The committee also looked at the alleged misuse of National Lotteries Commission funding and athlete prize money that went missing. Lawmakers supported calls to dissolve the ASA board.
When IOL asked ASA about the World Athletics deadline and the new constitution, the federation said there were no further developments or statements to share.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Sport. Image: IOL Sport. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.