As Royal AM faces potential expulsion from the Betway Premiership, FARPost looks at the implications of their removal.
The PSL hierarchy is currently exploring options to address the ongoing Royal AM situation, and three relevant clauses are outlined in the National Soccer League [NSL] Handbook.
Shauwn Mkhize, the club’s president, ran into trouble with tax authorities. The South African Revenue Service [SARS] placed the club under curatorship, as she currently owes R40 million in taxes.
The NSL handbook states that the league has the authority to enforce sanctions resulting in suspension and relegation in severe situations. Article 10:16 reads, “Should a member club not be able to fulfil its obligations to the league or be wound-up, the executive committee may recommend cancellation of its membership to the board of governors.”
Wound-up refers to any process that results in the estate or affairs of a person or entity being placed under administration by order of a court of law.
The Handbook then addresses what happens when a member club is expelled before playing all 15 teams in the league.
CONSEQUENCES OF ROYAL AM’S POTENTIAL EXPULSION FROM BETWAY PREMIERSHIP
Royal AM has played 11 matches this season, and the club’s fixtures have been postponed indefinitely. Thwihli Thwahla last played on December 29, 2024. This is when they suffered a 3-0 defeat against TS Galaxy at the Harry Gwala Stadium.
Fixtures against Chippa United, Orlando Pirates, Milford United [Nedbank Cup], Marumo Gallants, and Stellenbosch FC were all called off. The club’s latest court bid to force the PSL and SARS to allow them to return to play was dismissed.
The situation leaves Royal AM in the basement of the table. With just 11 games played, one win, five draws, and five defeats, they have eight points.
The PSL must make an urgent decision, as the Nedbank Cup enters the Round of 16 at the weekend. They could not play Milford United in the Last 32 of the tournament.
Article 5:4 reads, “Should a member club withdraw from the league after the start of the season but before the member concerned has played against every other member club in its division at least once, then all results of that member club will be expunged from the league as if the member club had not participated at all.”
Should the league enforce Article 57:13 [expulsion], all of Royal AM’s results will be expunged as though they never participated. The 2024/25 Betway Premiership season would have to continue with only 15 clubs instead of 16.
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