SAFA arbitration has ruled in favour of Zizwe United, who had filed a complaint alleging that Young Bafana used a player from another team in the Western Cape ABC Motsepe League playoffs four weeks ago.
This is not something new, as the ABC Motsepe League never ends without some sort of drama or shenanigans ahead of the national playoffs.
Following weeks of legal battle, the matter escalated to the SAFA national offices. This was after Zizwe were not pleased with the outcome made by SAFA Western.
As a result, Dr Given Ramatsekisa was appointed as the Arbitrator in the Zizwe and SAFA Western Cape matter. Futhermore, this was in line with Article 81.4 of the SAFA Disciplinary Code.
The matter was heard at the SAFA House on Wednesday, 31 May 2023, with Dr Ramatsekisa presiding over the matter.
Additionally, the outcome was made on Thursday, 01 June 2023, and the arbitrator ruled in favour of Zizwe.
This simply means that Zizwe will now represent Western Cape at the ABC Motsepe National Playoffs. And they will replace Young Bafana, who were previously crowned the provincial winners.
THE FULL OUTCOME OF THE ARBITRATION
ARBITRATOR: Dr Tsietsi Ramatsekisa
After having heard the parties, the following ruling is made:
1. The decision by the SOUTH AFRICAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION WESTERN CAPE AND/OR BY THE PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE Officer [NADIA KONSTABEL] in a letter dated 08 May 2023 of dismissing the complaint by the ZIZWE UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB [the Requestor] is hereby reviewed and set aside.
2. The complaints by the Requestor lodged by letters dated 03 and 04 May 2023 respectively complied with the provisions of Rule 19 that deals with the lodgement of complaints.
3. The Second Respondent is found to have fielded two improperly registered players [Siraaj Williams and Sixolisiwe Madolwana] lacking valid clearance documents [in terms of Rule 11 and 14 respectively] in the match played on 29 April 2023.
4. Three points will be deducted from Young Bafana Football Club. From the match against the Requestor played on 29 April 2023.
5. The First Respondent [SAFA WESTERN CAPE] must refund an amount of R2500 from the payment of 03 May 2023 and R2500 from the payment made on 05 May 2023 totaling the amount of R5000.00.
ARBITRATION RULE IN FAVOUR OF ZIZWE
6. The First Respondent [SAFA WESTERN CAPE] is to pay the Requestor an amount of R30 000.00 being fees incurred for the arbitration proceedings.
7. The First Respondent is to pay the full costs of the Arbitrator.
8. SAFA NATIONAL must investigate the conduct of the Provincial Executive Officer SAFA Western Cape. Or any official involved in the mishandling of the complaint. This is a subject matter herein and take appropriate action in line with the applicable framework.
9. SAFA NATIONAL must investigate the conduct of the Chairperson SAFA Western Cape on the media statement made on 18 May 2023. And take appropriate action in terms of the applicable framework for endorsing a particular club for play-offs while there is still a dispute to be determined.
10. Reasons will be provided upon request.
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