The South African Football Association have released a statement, insisting they are currently not in discussions with the PSL to Increase the number of DStv Premiership teams from 16 to 18.
Media reports had circulated that SAFA and the PSL had engaged in talks to increase the DStv Premiership team to 18 to help increase the talent pool for Bafana Bafana.
However, SA’s football mother body dismissed those reports and also pointed out that idea does not come from new Sporting Director Walter Steenbok.
“The South African Football Association (SAFA) has noted the media reports claiming that the Association is in talks with the Premier Soccer League (PSL) about increasing the number of premiership teams from 16 to 18 sides,” SAFA stated via a statement on their website on Wednesday.
“SAFA wishes to state that no such discussions are taking place between the two organisations. Increasing the premiership teams from 16 to 18 teams is an idea that was suggested by SAFA as a means to help increase the pool of Bafana Bafana players and other junior national teams.
“SAFA also wishes to state that this is not the brainchild of the Association’s Technical Director Walter Steenbok as it was erroneously reported this past weekend and it is in fact a proposal that was proposed by the Association.”
SAFA also clarified that their recent presentation in parliament to asked about government’s backing for the bid to host the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup has not been rejected.
“On another matter, the Association made a presentation about South Africa’s bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027 to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Sports on 19 May 2023 and contrary to some reports, the meeting was successful,” SAFA stated.
“At no stage did the Committee members say they would not endorse South Africa’s bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027 and reports claiming such are both malicious and devoid of any truth.”
