The Premier Soccer League – PSL have suspended all Royal AM fixtures, including their upcoming match against Orlando Pirates, until further notice due to the club’s ongoing financial challenges.
The decision comes after Royal AM, under curatorship by the South African Revenue Services [SARS], failed to provide the necessary guarantees to the PSL to fulfil their match commitments in “a compliant fashion”.
It seems Royal AM are facing a deepening financial crisis, with the club’s recent fixture suspensions stemming from an ongoing investigation by SARS.
The club’s president, Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize, has been embroiled in a tax dispute with SARS, with authorities seizing assets, including luxury vehicles and properties, to recoup an alleged R40 million debt.
These financial difficulties have directly impacted the Betway Premiership side’s operations. In November, SARS officials raided properties linked to Mkhize, who allegedly owes the tax debt through her family trust.
Thwihli Thwahla delayed salary payments for both November and December 2024, culminating in their inability to travel to Gqeberha to face Chippa United two weeks ago in a league tie.
ROYAL AM FIXTURES CANCELLED: PSL SEEKS ASSURANCES
The drama began on January 9th when Royal AM informed the League that they could not fulfil their fixture against Chippa due to difficulties arising from the appointment of a curator. This sparked immediate concern within the PSL, leading to three emergency meetings of the Executive Committee [ExCo].
The PSL sought assurances from the KZN outfit, under curatorship, that they would be able to meet their future fixture commitments in a compliant manner. Royal AM promised to provide a letter to confirm the resolution of the financial issues affecting the club. However, the club failed to deliver, leaving the PSL with no choice but to take decisive action.
“On 17 January 2025, ExCo were informed that a joint letter of comfort (from club management and the Curator) would be provided confirming that the issues that led to the club being unable to meet its commitments had been resolved,” reads the PSL statement.
“No such letter of comfort has been forthcoming, and ExCo has been left with no alternative but to cancel PSL Fixture 106 – Royal AM vs Orlando Pirates at Harry Gwala Stadium at 19h30 on Thursday – and to suspend all other Royal AM fixtures [Betway Premiership and Nedbank Cup] until further notice.
“The Executive Committee will meet again on Friday, 24 January 2025, at 11h00 to afford Royal AM [under curatorship] to make representations regarding this matter.”
RELATED STORY: Royal AM back in training after meeting with club bosses
