A Nigerian footballer found to be using fraudulent visa documents could result in a 57-point deduction for a former PSL club.
Franklin Ogbonna has been found to have used fraudulent study and general work visas in South Africa while participating in matches for Highlands Park in the ABC Motsepe League. Interestingly, the former PSL club recently won the SAFA Gauteng ABC Motsepe League.
The Lions of the North accumulated 83 points from 34 outings. They are six points clear of second-placed Gomora United, who are under the leadership of Johnny Ferreira.
In those 34 games, Highlands Park managed to secure 26 wins, five draws, and suffered three defeats. They now face potential relegation after fielding Ogbonna, an immigrant who was in the country illegally.
In an affidavit obtained by FARPost, Reshigan Kistan, an administrative clerk from the Department of Home Affairs, confirmed that the two documents purportedly used by the striker were indeed fake.
This revelation follows an investigation by the Department of Home Affairs, which established that the unique control number on the study visa is invalid and that no such visa records exist. Similarly, the tracking number on the general work visa is also invalid, with no corresponding application records available.
As a result of this confirmation of his illegal status, the player, who has been actively representing Highlands Park, has put the club at risk of losing points.
WHAT HOME AFFAIRS’ VERDICT MEANS FOR FRANKLIN OGBONNA’S HIGHLANDS PARK
“The visa label unique control number 877 61509 is invalid, and no such visa exists. The tracking number, which appears on the visa, is invalid, and no such records exist,” reads the affidavit.
Ogbonna played in games that contributed to the club’s 57 points. If the club were to be docked all 57 points, their standing would fall to 18th place, leaving them with just 26 points.
As a result, the Lions of the North may no longer represent Gauteng at the upcoming SAFA National Playoffs set to be held next month in Bloemfontein, Free State.
In September 2020, Highlands Park transferred its PSL status to TS Galaxy FC. Consequently, TS Galaxy FC assumed their position in the South African elite league, beginning with the 2020/21 season.
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