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UNDER SCRUTINY: Safa CEO Robin Petersen faces a revolt from within the association. Picture by Gallo Images

Sunday World understands that though Petersen is said to have good and progressive ideas, he, however, does not enjoy the confidence of some members of the national executive committee.

Had it not been for a probationary period, which lapsed at the end of January, Safa bigwigs would have acted swiftly and dismissed Petersen.

Petersen's contract started on August 1 last year, and his six months probation period ended last month.

According to labour law, one can only be released from his contract within the probation period.

Barely six months into his job Petersen is facing rejection within the football association.

Sources close to the executive say the Safa top brass will have to pay Petersen out if they are to get rid of him now that they have fumbled and allowed the probation period to expire.

It is understood the executives' unhappiness stems from the fact that Petersen hasn't been able to lift the cash-strapped association out of the financial doldrums.

Contracts with major sponsors are yet to be renewed, but too much interference from the bosses is believed to be grossly undermining the CEO's ability to attract sponsors.

Under coach Pitso Mosimane, Bafana Bafana's Afcon qualifier disaster, which embarrassed the country, hasn't gone down well with the executives, who believe the buck stops with the CEO.

Acting Safa president Mwelo Nonkonyana confirmed Petersen was serving probation.

"We'll still get feedback on how he performed and the best person to comment on this matter is the president of the organisation," said Nonkonyana.

Speaking from Equatorial Guinea, Safa president Kirsten Nematandani said this is an internal matter between the employer and the employee.

He said they are aware that Petersen's probation period had lapsed and that they recently held a meeting to discuss the issue and Petersen's future.

However, Nematandani added that the organisation cannot yet comment on the outcome of the meeting.

Petersen said: "I have no doubt that I will continue with my duties as Safa CEO until my contract term comes to an end. I have a mandate and that mandate is to serve my three-year contract."

But like any employee, Petersen said he has performance standards that he must meet and that his performance will be reviewed from time to time.