PSL clubs in the dark about payments
● DStv Premiership clubs have not been paid the R8m that each of the 16 top tier clubs usually receive from the Premier Soccer League (PSL) — and are in the dark about the reasons for the delay.
The PSL gives clubs an ex gratia payment of R3m per season and a R5m fee which the clubs use for preparation for the upcoming campaign.
But two club bosses, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed to the Sunday Times that the monies have not been paid. They expressed concern about not getting an explanation from the league about the delay, with the new 2024/25 season scheduled to start in just over two weeks.
“We have not received the ex gratia of R3m, which is usually paid at the end of the season. However, we haven’t got anything so far. Also, we have not been given the preparation fee of R5m. Last year we got it late but this time nothing has come through,” said one official.
“It is concerning because the 2024/25 season is starting in August. We are left with two and a half weeks before the new season starts. In the past we used to get the ex gratia before the end of the season and the preparation fee much earlier.
“A lot of clubs are struggling, some can cover their things, but some like [Moroka] Swallows, it was difficult for them. In the end, they had to sell the status. That is why you also see clubs selling a lot of players. They want to cut the salary costs so that the grant money can cover more. Some contracts are coming to an end, so that you can save on salaries.”
Another official said they were unsettled by the fact that nothing has been communicated by the PSL to the clubs. “It’s true that we haven’t received the money. It is not something that greatly bothers me because we do have our own resources. But for some teams it is bothersome. I have no idea why payments have not been made. One wonders what has caused this situation.”
The two officials said the board of governors (BoG) has not sat this year.
“There was one meeting we had when we were discussing Mamelodi Sundowns. The other BoG meeting was to discuss how the teams will be assisted to improve match attendances and other issues around rules. It was not this year though but at the end of the 2022/23.
“The last BoG meeting was in October, it was a virtual, (TeamViewer) meeting. A physical meeting we last had was for discussing Sundowns and their participation in the AFL [African Football League].”
PSL acting CEO Mato Madlala told the Sunday Times the club officials were not supposed to discuss league matters with the media. “My response to you is that what they are saying and doing is not correct. They need to explain to you what they mean when they say they have not been paid. The season ends in June and the financial year of the league ends at the end of July,” she said.
“The office of the league is reachable if they have any issues they want to discuss. I am not going to discuss issues of the league in the media and they are also not supposed to do so.”