CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – FEBRUARY 28: Tendai Ndoro of Ajax Cape Town on the attack during the Absa Premiership match between Ajax Cape Town and SuperSport United at Athlone Stadium on February 28, 2018 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo: Shaun Roy / Gallo Images )
PSL News: Ajax Cape Town will no longer try to halt the start of the season
The club’s battle to stay in the PSL has suffered a major blow.
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – FEBRUARY 28: Tendai Ndoro of Ajax Cape Town on the attack during the Absa Premiership match between Ajax Cape Town and SuperSport United at Athlone Stadium on February 28, 2018 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo: Shaun Roy / Gallo Images )
Ajax Cape Town have withdrawn their court interdict to delay the start of the 2018/19 PSL season, as they lose ground in their ongoing legal battle.
Sport24 report the decision was made just before midday.
The Urban Warriors have been locked in a lengthy dispute about their rightful place for next season. After fielding ineligible player Tendai Ndoro earlier this year, the league docked ACT seven points.
This was because the striker had turned out for two other clubs in the 2017/18 season, before moving to the Mother City. FIFA rules state that no player can represent three or more clubs during one season.
The deduction meant that the club was subsequently relegated to the National First Division, with Platinum Stars – who were initially relegated – handed a lifeline by having to compete in the promotion/relegation playoffs, which were eventually won by Black Leopards.
Ajax Cape Town updates: Interdict dropped
However, they mounted a legal challenge which eventually saw the PSL’s decision set aside. For the past few weeks, both parties have been scrambling for clarity over what happens next, yet it seems like the pendulum has swung back in favour of the top flight officials.
Judge Denise Fisher has granted the Premier Soccer League (PSL) leave to appeal, prompting Ajax’s withdrawal of their interdict.
When will the 2018/19 season start?
As it stands, the 2018/19 PSL season will begin on 4 August. Mamelodi Sundowns entertain Kaizer Chiefs in the 15:00, raising the curtain for the campaign ahead
Will Ajax Cape Town be in the PSL this season?
We are still awaiting official confirmation of what happens next. This is a story developing at a rapid rate, and we will be updating our information as and when we get it.
Judge Fisher is now set to hear Ajax’s case to keep their PSL spot at 12:30
Judge Denise Fisher will now at 12:30 hear Ajax Cape Town matter where they are trying to be reinstated back to 15th place in the PSL.#NdoroGate
— PowerSport (@Power987Sport) July 26, 2018
Ajax have made another withdrawal, this time of their section 18 appeal. This was to contest a previous ruling made by Judge Denise Fisher. This hasn’t yet resolved the issue, but it looks the Urban Warriors are heading for the NFD.
Another withdrawal for Ajax, it’s their second of the day. The PSL will be happy about how the day has gone so far.
We are now down to the PSL’s appeal of Judge Fisher’s ruling.#NdoroGate https://t.co/w3odDJVPMv
— Carl Lewis (@Carl_LewisZA) July 26, 2018
Of course, once a final decision is announced, don’t be surprised if another appeal comes in from either party. This is a circus that can still run for a few months.
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