South African Football Association to ban ex- AFC Leopards coach after racist comments

Former AFC Leopards coach Luc Eymael sacked after 'monkey' rant

South African Football Association (SAFA) is set to ban Former AFC Leopards coach Luc Eymael  from returning to work in South Africa over racist comments.

Eymael, 60, was on Monday sacked by Tanzanian giants Yanga SC after he was recorded referring to fans as "monkeys or dogs".

According to local media, the former Free State Stars, Bloemfontein Celtic and Polokwane City coach apologised for his comments, telling the Mwanaspoti sports newspaper he "was not in a good mood" and was not a racist.

"Safa has noted with dismay the despicable conduct of coach Luc Eymael in the Tanzanian Premier League,” said Safa in a statement on their official website.

“We want to express our solidarity and support for the Tanzania FA and the Yanga FC. Our own history, principles, and beliefs compel us to reject racism in all its forms.

“This conduct militates against Nelson Mandela’s understanding of the role of sport in our society that it has the power to change the world, power to inspire and unite people in a way that little else does.”

 SAFA further confirmed they will take the following steps with immediate effect:

To direct a letter to the Minister of Sports to bring this matter to his attention, with SAFA stated position that we will raise objection to any consideration of granting coach Eymael a work permit in South Africa in future.

Bring this matter to the attention of world football governing body, FIFA as well as the Confederation of African Football (CAF)

Write a letter of solidarity and support to the Tanzania FA and to assure them of our full cooperation on any remedial steps they may consider

Tanzania's premier league ended on Sunday with Yanga finishing second, and Simba Sports Club coming first.