Downs case still up in air

Mamelodi Sundowns’ disciplinary committee (DC) case over fielding ineligible player Wayne Arendse in an Absa Premiership game against Bidvest Wits has been heard‚ and judgment has been reserved.

Arguments were made at the Premier Soccer League DC on Monday night‚ PSL prosecutor Nande Becker said on Tuesday morning.

The case relates to Sundowns fielding Arendse in a 1-1 draw against Wits at Lucas Moripe Stadium on October 7, when the defender had not been named in the match squad of 18‚ contrary to PSL regulations.

“This is just on the question of the misconduct – we haven’t yet dealt with sanctions or anything like that,” said Becker.

Becker said he had no idea when the judgment would be passed.

“They [Sundowns] raised quite a complicated legal argument.

“So I think that bears some consideration and investigation by the DC as such‚” he said.

“There are some difficult legal issues to deal with over here.”

The case is important as it might impact the PSL title race.

There is a possibility of Wits‚ currently the league leaders‚ being awarded two points‚ and Sundowns‚ currently in second‚ losing one.

Sundowns are believed to have based their defence on the fact that match commissioner Mark Lindon allowed and signed off on Arendse coming in as a late replacement for injured Thapelo Morena.

They also point out that Wits never made a protest.