CLOSER LOOK: What fate awaits Kaizer Chiefs?

The ongoing saga involving Kaizer Chiefs and the Premier Soccer League – over missed matches in December – has been set down for a court hearing on 10 May, but before then, a key directive has been passed down. In information that has come to light, a crucial decision has been made to prevent a disruption and any delays to the end of the league season.

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This all dates back to the fact that Chiefs were unable to honour two league matches against Golden Arrows and Cape Town City towards the end of last year due to a widespread Covid-19 outbreak at their headquarters in Naturena.

In short, the two missed matches will go ahead and be replayed even as the matter remains unresolved. Depending on the outcome of the legal proceedings, if it goes in favour of Chiefs, then the results of the two replayed matches will stand.

However, if the league is successful in its review application, the log will be adjusted to reflect the outcome “as if the matches had not been played”.

Below, you can reflect on the latest information on the Chiefs-PSL matter:

1. Member Clubs will be aware of the issue that has arisen in respect of the application by Kaizer Chiefs to postpone certain matches in December 2021.
2. The issue was dealt with by the League and then referred by Kaizer Chiefs to the SAFA Arbitration Tribunal. Advocate Cassim Sc handed down an award in the matter on 18 March 2022.
3. The League has instituted review proceedings (“the review application”) in respect of the award to the extent that it ordered that the matches scheduled between Kaizer Chiefs and Cape Town City on 4 December 2021; and Kaizer Chiefs and Lamontville Golden Arrows 8 December 2021; “be replayed”.1

4. To avoid the risk of the proceedings delaying the end of the season a timetable has been agreed and confirmed by the Deputy Judge President of the Gauteng High Court. The review application hearing date is 10 May 2022.
5. It has been agreed that these matches will be scheduled pending the hearing on the basis that:
   1. 5.1.  if the League is successful in the review application the log will be adjusted to reflect the outcome as if the matches had not been played;
   2. 5.2.  if Kaizer Chiefs is successful in the review application, then the log will reflect the outcome of the replayed matches;
   3. 5.3.  whatever the result before the Judge hearing the review application, that result will remain effective even if the unsuccessful party seeks leave to appeal against the order or is granted leave to appeal;
   4. 5.4.  no party will seek to interdict the finalization of the 2022 professional football season, pending the outcome of any further litigation either party may wish to pursue;
   5. 5.5.  Kaizer Chiefs accepts that, even if the review application is heard after the matches are replayed the matter will not be moot.
6. The amended fixture list will be circulated as soon as reasonably possible.

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Kaizer Chiefs Latest In Layman's Terms

– Chiefs will play the two games despite ongoing arbitration
– If PSL wins, league will be adjusted to reflect Chiefs being docked points.
– If Chiefs wins, results after two games remain

We wait and see.#DstvPrem #KaizerChiefs pic.twitter.com/VN4RnS6H0Q

— Cash N Sport (@CashNSport) April 14, 2022

The missed games in December were always expected to be replayed after a key arbitration decision, but Amakhosi later suggested they had been informed of the PSL Executive Committee’s resolution to review the arbitration award of Adv. Nazeer Cassim SC.

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The result had initially come down in favour of Chiefs, but the league was not satisfied with the arbitration outcome and approached the high court to review and possibly set aside the decision from Cassim.

That court battle will begin on 10 May in the Johannesburg High Court, which could come just weeks before the season comes to its conclusion. If the case drags on, it could have had a big impact on the final log standings.

Speaking to the media this week, Cape Town City coach Eric Tinkler said it’s “ridiculous” that the matter still hasn’t been resolved, leaving all the clubs in a state of limbo.

“For us first and foremost, the win, trying to get the fifth win in a row against Royal AM is the most important factor,” Tinkler said ahead of their league clash with Royal AM on Saturday, as quoted by Goal.com. 

“Second factor is do we get the points, don’t we get the points against Chiefs? That’s still all up in the air, which I think is absolutely ridiculous that this hasn’t been resolved.”

“Remember the rules are the rules, can’t be rules for different fools?”

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