South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) has issued a statement disputing media reports that it was ordered to repay the full R24.98 million grant awarded by the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) in 2016.

According to SASCOC, the reports misrepresent the findings of the judgment delivered by the Special Tribunal.

The organisation explained that while the Tribunal reviewed and set aside the original grant, it did not order SASCOC to repay the entire R24.98 million. Instead, the judgment found that SASCOC and its former Chief Financial Officer, Vinesh Maharaj, were jointly and severally liable for repaying R150,000.

The Tribunal determined that the R150,000 represented an administrative fee retained by SASCOC in connection with the grant. It also found that the organisation did not receive or retain any substantive benefit from the remaining grant funds.

SASCOC confirmed that the R150,000 has already been repaid in full to the National Lotteries Commission.

The organisation further noted that the Tribunal acknowledged its limited role in the matter. According to SASCOC, its involvement was restricted to facilitating the grant application process, and it did not receive or keep the balance of the funding.

Based on these findings, SASCOC maintains that reports claiming it was ordered to repay the full R24.98 million are inaccurate and do not reflect the contents of the Tribunal’s judgment.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and good governance. It said it has fully cooperated with investigations related to the case and will continue to uphold high standards of governance and regulatory compliance.

SASCOC also called on media organisations and commentators to accurately report the Tribunal’s findings and correct any publications suggesting that it was ordered to repay the full R24.98 million grant.