PSL Prosecutor Zola Majavu has confirmed that Royal AM have been found guility of fielding an ineligible player.
In a PSL DC hearing heard on Monday, Royal AM were found guility of playing Philani Khumalo in a 5-3 DStv Diski Challenge win over Chippa United, where the player was ineligible.
Majavu confirmed that Royal AM and Khumalo pleaded guilty and have been sanctioned.
The match has been awarded as a 3-0 victory to Chippa, while Royal AM were also handed a suspended fine.
“I provide you with a further update on a matter that served before the PSL DC earlier this afternoon,” Majavu said.
“Royal AM appeared before the DC to answer two charges of fielding a defaulter or otherwise a player was ineligible. Mr. Philani Khumalo in a Diski Challenge fixture between Royal AM and Chippa United Football Club.
“Both Mr. Khumalo and Royal AM pleaded guilty as charged and they were convicted accordingly. With regards to sanction, having listened to the submissions from the league prosecutor as well as the legal representative of both respondents, the PSL DC ruled as follows…
“One: the match be forfeited by a Royal AM in favor of Chippa, resulting in Chippa picking up the three points on a scoreline of 3-0.
“Two: Royal AM was also find a monetary fine in the amount of R25,000, which is wholly suspended for 12 months on condition that during the period of suspension, they are not found guilty of the same offence again.
“Three: Mr. Philani Khumalo was sanctioned with an additional two match suspension, reckoned from the date of the ruling, assuming that he does not exercise his right on appeal. In the event he does so obviously, the sanction would be pended until the finalisation of that appeal.
“For both correspondents meaning Mr. Khumalo and Royal AM were directed to pay the costs of the sitting jointly and several, the one paying the other to be observed.
“Those costs are usually computed administratively by the PSL and thereafter deducted from the affected club’s monthly grant. Alternatively, the club may elect to pay that fine in cash.”
