In a dramatic turn of events, one of the clubs facing relegation has filed a formal complaint with the PSL against two of its rivals. NB La Masia has taken the drastic step of formally accusing Marumo Gallants and Pretoria Callies of wrongdoing, lodging a complaint against both clubs with the PSL.
La Masia were relegated to the SAFA ABC Motsepe League after finishing second from bottom in the recently concluded Motsepe Foundation Championship season. Platinum City Rovers is another relegated club after finishing bottom of the log.
COMPLAINT LODGED TO THE PSL BY RELEGATED CLUB NA LA MASIA
This publication has in its possession the official complaint directed to the Premier Soccer League, dated Monday 27 May 2024.
In the complaint against Marumo Gallants, they alleged that the club used a player Tapelo Dhludhlu, who had previously played for two other clubs in the same season. Dhludhlu signed for Gallants during the January transfer window period and played in 10 league games scoring four goals.
Before joining Marumo, Dhludhlu played for Mpumalanga Future United and Mpumalanga Football Academy. Both clubs play in the ABC Motsepe League, during the current season.
“It is submitted that the player (Tapelo Dhludhlu) was registered for Mpumalanga Future United FC, Mpumalanga Football Academy FC, and Marumo Gallants FC during the 2023/2024 season, and that he played for all three of those clubs in contravention and in violation of Regulation 5.4 read with Rule 5.5 of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players,” La Masia wrote to the PSL.
WHAT THE PROTEST AGAINST MARUMO GALLANTS AND PRETORIA CALLIES IS ABOUT
“Accordingly, the said player was ineligible to play for Marumo Gallants FC in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Due to the fact that he had already played for two previous clubs during the 2023/2024 season. Therefore [he] was not eligible to play for Marumo Gallants.”
“Accordingly, the Marumo Gallants fielded an ineligible player in the five matches referred to above. Accordingly, by fielding the said ineligible player, Marumo Gallants acted in breach of Rule 55.1.4 (the Statutes of FIFA), Rule 55.3.6.2 (any corrupt, dishonest or unlawful practice in connection with a match or in connection with the affairs of the League).”
The second complaint relates to Callies player Xolani Sithole. Sithole made amendments to his age at Home Affairs which allowed him to play as an under 23 player. His previous ID would have meant is now a 27-year-old. Sithole joined Callies in October last year after spending time at now-defunct Uthongathi. He was registered as an under 23 player for the club and featured in over eight matches.
La Masia argues that Sithole’s change of identification was fraudulent and wants the PSL to charge the club.
“It is submitted that by playing the said player, Pretoria Callies FC acted in breach of Rule 35 of the Rules relating to the fielding of under 23 players, in particular Rule 35.2,” the club wrote.
“It is submitted furthermore that the Club acted in breach of Rule 55 relating to breaches or infringements of the NSL Handbook and in particular, Rule 55.3.6.2 involving corrupt, dishonest or unlawful practices in connection with a match or in connection with the affairs of the League.”
Marumo finished 11th with 36 points, while Callies finished 14th with 34 points.
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