The PSL has cracked down on political discourse in matchday interviews, with all member clubs told to refrain from discussing any political topics.
This comes after the incident at the end of the Carling Knockout match between TS Galaxy and Mamelodi Sundowns. Galaxy coach Sead Ramovic’s post-match interview was cut short on TV after he wanted to address the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Ramovic said he had also asked SuperSport TV if he could say something about the conflict. But his request was declined.
“I said I don’t want to talk about the game. I continued to talk about the Palestine incident. They cut it off and I think that is a shame because it was my voice,” Ramovic has been widely quoted.
PSL SAY NO TO CLUBS USING BROADCAST PLATFORMS FOR POLITICS
In a communique to the clubs on Thursday, the league argued that post-match interviews should be solely for that purpose.
“South Africans are deeply concerned about political events in this country and internationally. There have recently been requests for permission to comment on certain [sic] of these in match-related interviews,” read the communique.
‘The rules and principles governing football, including the IFAB Laws of the Game and the disciplinary codes of FIFA and SAFA (for example) are against political statements at football matches.”
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF POLITICAL COMMENTS AT FOOTBALL MATCHES?
“There is always a risk that comments and statements about issues of a political nature may inflame emotions at football matches or among the public. The disciplinary codes I have referred to expressly prohibit incitement or provocation for this reason,” it continued.
“Without in any way undermining the views of those who wish to raise issues that are of importance. Match-related interviews must remain a platform for commenting on match-related matters.
“Please ensure that all of your players, coaching personnel, and staff members understand the position. Do not place themselves, your club, and/or those who attend matches, at risk by failing to abide by these rules and principles.”
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