This archive report was first published on 17 October 2019.
On October 17, 2019, the South African Football Association (SAFA) found itself in a heated dispute with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers schedule.
According to reports, CAF wanted Bafana Bafana to play two qualifiers in just three days in November, with the home game against Sudan scheduled for 9pm on a Sunday.
Acting SAFA CEO Russell Paul strongly opposed this proposal, citing concerns about player welfare and the logistics of hosting a match at such an unusual hour.