Luc Eymael controversially cleared to coach in South Africa

Belgian coach Luc Eymael is free to coach in South Africa once again after the South African Football Association (SAFA) conceded it couldn’t ban the controversial 61-year-old from from working in the country.

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SAFA recently looked to ban him from coaching in South Africa by SAFA after he allegedly made racist comments during his stint as coach of Tanzania side Young Africans.

Eymael was sacked by Young Africans after a controversial rant in which he described the club’s fans as ‘dogs and monkeys’.

Shortly thereafter he took to social media, claiming “frustration” was behind his comments.

“I want to sincerely apologise to the people of Tanzania, Yanga leaders, supporters and sponsors about the podcast that came out,” he wrote on Facebook.

“Those are not the words of Luc Eymael but of pure frustration and disappointment and emotions that made us lose our second place.”

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Luc Eymael was set to join Chippa United, but his move to Port Elizabeth was stopped by SAFA, who demanded the Department of Sport and Recreation block his work permit application.

Eymael then wrote to the FIFA Ethics Committee, asking them to intervene.

According to the Kickoff website, a letter sent to Eymael’s lawyers by SAFA CEO Tebogo Montlanthe stated that he is now free to work in South Africa again.

“The association doesn’t grant permission to enter or exit the country, that is the function of the government. Our position is that we do not deny your right to be employed in South Africa or freedom of association,” read part of the letter.

“Our objection was based purely on the seriousness of the allegations against you which goes against our statutes. But now everything has been clarified and your name is cleared.”

Eymael coached Polokwane City, Free State Stars and Black Leopards in South Africa, as well as a host of other clubs throughout Africa and Europe.

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