The SAFA arbitration has delivered its ruling with regard to the case between Mpheni Defenders and Vondwe XI Bullets in the Limpopo ABC Motsepe League.
This follows the arbitrator’s verdict, which overturned the previous decision to replay the match that was called off between the two teams at Makonde Stadium in March of this year.
The two clubs have been embroiled in controversy, with their first-round fixture abandoned just four minutes in after Bullets were awarded a penalty. The replay proved no less dramatic, also being called off in the 78th minute when a Bullets equaliser was disallowed for offside.
The arbitrator has ruled that Mpheni should be awarded three points, with a 1-0 scoreline, because the match was stopped while they were ahead 1-0.
As a result, Mpheni are placed at the top of the table in Stream A with 48 points after 22 games. They are now three points ahead of the second-placed Bullets. This means Mpheni will progress to the provincial playoffs.
Bullets have been ordered to pay the costs of the arbitration sitting, with Mpheni refunded for their arbitration fee.
MPHENI DEFENDERS’ OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON THE SAFA ARBITRATION RULING
“We are delighted to announce that we have won our Arbitration case. The ruling of the DC, which indicated that the game that took place at Makonde Stadium should be a replay, has been overturned, said Mpheni Defenders.
“The Arbitrator has ruled that we should be awarded the 3 points and the score line of 1:0 in our favour should stand, since the game was abandoned while we were leading 1-0.
“We have also been refunded with our Arbitration fee, and Vondwe XI Bullets has been ordered to pay the costs of Arbitration.”
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