A Football suppoter Malcolm Van Heerden watches Dr. Irvin Khoza (PSL Chairman) during a Tele-Press Conference on July 13, 2020 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
PSL return given boost after FIFA grant permission for extension
The return of the PSL has been given a timely boost with Fifa granting permission to extend the 2019/20 campaign beyond August 2020.
A Football suppoter Malcolm Van Heerden watches Dr. Irvin Khoza (PSL Chairman) during a Tele-Press Conference on July 13, 2020 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
The South African Football Association (Safa) have released a statement confirming that they have received special permission from FIFA to extend the 2019/20 PSL campaign beyond August 2020.
Safa have received a letter from the world footballing governing body, allowing them to delay the beginning of the 2020/2021 season. This comes after the association confirmed that referees will only be available from the first of August.
“Fifa has written to the South African Football Association advising them that they can extend the completion of the current Premier Soccer League season in terms of the Transfer Management System (TMS),” a Safa statement read.
“In the same context, Fifa has given Safa the mandate to amend the start of the PSL next season (2020/21), and this may require the association to amend the registration periods provided in the TMS.”
Referees will be ready for PSL return
SAFA CEO, Tebogo Motlanthe has confirmed that match official preparations are on schedule for the eagerly anticipated first of August due date.
“We are glad with the clarification we got from FIFA and we have already started preparation of the referees. They will arrive at the camp in batches and I want to assure everyone that the match officials will be ready, come 1 August 2020 when the PSL kicks off,” said Motlanthe.
6 week deadline and PSL financial implications
While Fifa’s extension comes as a timely boost in the resumption of football in the country, Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman Irvin Khoza was clear in the detrimental financial implications involved in the league extending beyond August.
“If that happens, it means we must now revert to section 39 of retrenchments. That’s the reality of the situation. It’s been stressful to the clubs.” – Khoza told members of the media on the 13th of July.
The league has a remainder of 54 matches to be played. All clubs have began training ahead of the potential return of action with much still to be played for. The title, top four, top eight and relegation zone spots are all far from being sealed just yet.
