Dispute costs Usuthu dearly

Jonty Mark

The Premier Soccer League yesterday sent AmaZulu to the bottom of the Absa Premiership, docking them six points as per a ruling from Fifa, after Usuthu failed to pay a fine of 10 000 Swiss francs (about R145 000) to the world footballing body.

The matter relates to a dispute between Namibian player Phineas Nambandi and AmaZulu. Nambandi took AmaZulu to Fifa in July 2014 over the unlawful termination of his contract.

Nambandi won his case, and his victory was then upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after AmaZulu appealed.

The Premier Soccer League released the following statement:

The Premier Soccer League Executive Committee yesterday, 27 September 2018, met AmaZulu FC to discuss the implications of the ruling.

The Fifa Disciplinary Committee handed down a decision on 10 August 2018. The Fifa DC ruled:

1. Ordered AmaZulu to pay a fine of CHF 10 000. That sum was to be paid within 30 days of notification to a named Fifa account.

2. Granted AmaZulu a final deadline of 30 days to as from notification (i.e. as from 16 August) to make payment of the sum contemplated in a Cas award referred to in the decision and proof of payment was to be provided to the South African Football Association;

3. Ordered that if payment was not made in accordance with (2. Above) then six (6) points would automatically be deducted without any further formal decision;

4. Indicated that if after the deduction of these points, payment was still not made, the Fifa Disciplinary Committee would decide, upon the request of the Creditor, on a possible relegation of AmaZulu’s first team.

The PSL Executive Committee communicated the automatic points deduction.

AmaZulu now have one point.