What are the facts?

Following deliberations by independent members of the disciplinary committee earlier this month, what became crystal clear was that Sundowns did break the rules. What remains vague, however, and from the club’s point of view at least, is whether the match commissioner overseeing the game between the Brazilians and Wits six months ago will be reprimanded for apparently giving the go-ahead for the use of an ineligible player, though the panel has dismissed Downs’ arguments as merely an excuse. During a media briefing a week after the guilty verdict, PSL acting CEO Mato Madlala said she would not pre-empt the outcome of the sanctions to be handed down. Sundowns were expected to know their fate two weeks ago, but due to their busy schedule in juggling the CAF Champions League and their domestic campaign, they asked for a postponement. Coach Pitso Mosimane has not hid his frustrations from the public, lashing out at PSL prosecutor Nande Becker for the delay in announcing the club’s punishment. “It’s disappointing, we don’t know how many points we are going to be docked. We don’t know anything. We don’t know if we can win the league,” he told journalists last week. “Make no mistake. I am not disputing the rule because I am not a legal person. But all I am saying is that the rules can be scrutinised – but I am the last person to do that. I have checked to see, and if this was the English Premier League, with this rule, we are ok. But this is Absa Premier League. Personally, I am not inspired by the league.”

Even in mitigation, Sundowns has continued to argue that Lindon gave them leeway to make changes to their starting line- up, and was acting on behalf of the league when he made that call as per Rule 21.2.1, exonerating them of any misconduct.