Political tensions between the first football leagues operating in South African & it’s governing association have grown tenfold in recent weeks. The SA Premier Soccer League has grown impatient & angry with the South African Football Association, which refuses to permit their resuming of operations during the continued battle against COVID-19. It’s not the first time these two entities have attacked each other publicly during the coronavirus. Concerns over salaries last month saw their previous display of verbal assaults.
The South African Football Association was targeted by the Premier Soccer League, which claimed that SAFA Personnel were forcibly delaying their seasonal restart for financial gain. SAFA responded immediately towards PSL accusations, indicating that Referees must first conduct “Fitness & Coronavirus Testing” before permission to govern over matches is granted. Details clarified that two weeks are required to perform these tests, maintaining a restart for August 1st.
Public arguments since March 2020 have led Premier League Soccer supporters to presume turmoil against the South African Football Association was growing to severe. Their concerns regarded a possible fallout for the 2019/2020 PSL Season, which had nearly finalized its seasonal events before the coronavirus outbreak. Significant losses would’ve been seen from a twelve-month cancellation, prompting possible teams to draw out from further league contentions. Hearing otherwise has provided relief to millions of South African soccer supporters.
Even with the most recent public arguments, the government response wasn’t possible. The South African Football Association has authority over the Premier Soccer League. Even with government personnel limiting lockdown measures & resuming the economy, SAFA Personnel has forced a prolonged delay, citing safety concerns. Politicians cannot intervene with delays following the “National Sport and Recreation Act”, which states that the administration of sport cannot be sustained through government involvement.
PSL Left Standing with Head Between Their Legs
The Premier Soccer League in South Africa hasn’t responded to SAFAs August 1st return date. SAFA Personnel calling the bluff of their PSL Managers could leave them in disarray towards what should publicly be said next. Some analysts speculate that PSL Players Association Representatives are negotiating with the SAFA on when training camps can resume. The hope is sometime during July, but the exact date remains unknown.
