Safa Official Withdraws Criminal Case Against CEO
Lebogang Riet has dropped his legal complaint against Safa CEO Lydia Monyepao to avoid prolonged conflict.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Soccer
Live Poll
Would you drop a legal case against leadership to prioritize your organization's internal stability?
Safa NEC member Lebogang Riet has withdrawn his criminal complaint against CEO Lydia Monyepao. Riet stated he chose to drop the case to avoid lengthy legal processes and prioritise the association's interests.
Why it matters
The decision marks a shift away from the litigious atmosphere surrounding Safa's governance. Riet aimed to avoid the time-consuming legal battles that previously characterised disputes within the organisation.
Riet's withdrawal follows the dismissal of a 2022 election challenge in February 2026. The association is currently preparing for its first ordinary meeting held over 3 days in Sandton.
The players
Lebogang Riet
He is an NEC member of the South African Football Association and the chairperson of the Football For Change lobby group.
Lydia Monyepao
She serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the South African Football Association.
Ria Ledwaba
She is a former Safa vice-president who challenged the validity of the 2022 election results in court.
The details
Riet, who leads the Football For Change lobby group, initially filed the complaint alleging Monyepao improperly distributed an election pack containing amended statutes. He opted to withdraw after consulting with elders to bypass the protracted litigation seen in recent years.
Timeline
February 2026: The supreme court dismissed the Ria Ledwaba case.
September 2026: Lebogang Riet filed his criminal complaint against Monyepao.
18 October 2026: Riet confirmed the withdrawal of his criminal case.
Season Trajectory
This withdrawal signals a move away from the patterns set by the 2022 Safa election results legal challenge. It marks a significant shift in internal strategy as the leadership attempts to stabilise the organisation's administrative standing.
The withdrawal removes a potential source of administrative distraction during the association's first ordinary meeting in Sandton. This development streamlines the current meeting agenda by eliminating the need to address ongoing criminal proceedings.
The takeaway
Choosing to settle disputes internally can prevent an organisation from becoming mired in years of legal fees and public scrutiny. This outcome suggests that some officials are now prioritising institutional stability over individual grievance processes.
Further reading
For more updates on administrative developments, visit the South Africa Soccer section.
Live Poll
Would you drop a legal case against leadership to prioritize your organization's internal stability?
