PSL and Royal AM promotion legal merry-go-round continues

Johannesburg – The PSL has announced that a legal dispute has arisen between the national first division club Royal AM and the League.

Royal AM has given the PSL an ultimatum of 10 am on Thursday morning to suspend the matches following the order granted by Judge AJ Nyathi, or face legal action.

One of the playoffs matches was fixtured to be played on Thursday between Richards Bay and Chippa United in Gqeberha however Royal AM wants the PSL to abide by the order given by Judge Nyathi AJ on Monday and call off the games.

The start of the promotion/relegation play-offs hinges on the outcome of the who should be promoted between the league winners Durban-based side Royal AM and Sekhukhune United of Limpopo.

This comes after the awarding of three points to Sekhukhune following the outcome of arbitration by advocate Hilton Epstein, who awarded the three points, and the upholding of the arbitrator’s decision by Judge Roland Sutherland last Saturday.

“A legal dispute has arisen between Royal AM and the League as to whether the order granted by Judge AJ Nyathi [on Monday] has been suspended as a result of the filing by the League of an application for leave to appeal Judge AJ Nyathi’s order,” the PSL said in a statement.

“The League contends that the order has been suspended, while Royal AM contends that it has not. In the circumstances, the League has elected to:

1. Postpone the start of the playoffs;
2. Seek the urgent intervention of the High Court.

“Unfortunately that means that Richards Bay Football Club and Chippa United Football Club will not be able to play their scheduled match today [Thursday]. The risks to the completion of the season are obvious but in view of the dispute, the League has elected to act with an abundance of caution even in extremely trying circumstances for all Member Clubs, their players, and those affected in this matter.

“Our further communication will follow as soon as we are in a position to,” the PSL said.