PSL, City sponsorship face-off likely
Club says its backing from FNB does not break rules
The PSL could be headed for another protracted court battle if their dispute with Cape Town City over their newly acquired sponsorship from FNB is not resolved amicably this week.
The league has not approved the Citizens’ sponsors with the financial institution since they have Nedbank sponsoring the national cup competition.
Safa, via its CEO, advocate Tebogo Motlanthe, said there was intention from City to lodge an arbitration. “Once that arbitration has been lodged, Safa will have to process it and appoint an arbitrator.”
However, City boss John Comitis was confident the matter can be resolved without the intervention of the courts.
Last week, City’s opening match against Mamelodi Sundowns almost did not take place after Safa match officials were informed that the City kit had not been not approved. City got a late court interdict and were allowed to continue with the sponsor’s logo. They also played their second match against Swallows with the same kit. They lost the match 3-2 on Tuesday.
A few seasons ago, Swallows clinched a sponsorship deal with Telkom but it was rejected by the league because the PSL cited a conflict of interest. The PSL has a partnership with MTN, which sponsors the MTN8 tournament.
“We are trying to resolve the matter internally and see where the complications are
As clubs we are shareholders of the league. The league has to protect us
and what the issues are. From our side, there is nothing untoward,” Comitis revealed to Sunday World yesterday. “They have concerns about rights and we steered clear from violating any sponsorship rights. We are waiting for the PSL to provide us with the concerns that they have.
“Communication is very important and if these were communicated, we would not be having this conversation.
“As clubs, we are shareholders in the league. The league has to share the interest of the clubs and not the disinterest.
“The league has to protect us because we are not the opposition to the league. Clubs need sponsors to survive. We have lost Bloemfontein Celtic, Ajax Cape Town, Bidvest Wits, now Free State Stars, and almost the same with Swallows FC because of a lack of sponsors.”