Times Of Swaziland: MATCHDAY CHAOS: LEOPARD LADIES FACE FINE

MATCHDAY CHAOS: LEOPARD LADIES FACE FINE
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Melusi Mkhabela and Lindokuhle Madlopha on 12/11/2024 08:21:00


MATSAPHA – The highly-anticipated clash between Manzini Wanderers Ladies and
Royal Leopard Ladies at Eqinisweni Sports Ground was abruptly cancelled.
The police side failed to produce their player licences, ultimately leading to
the abandonment of the match, two days ago. This incident has been formally
reported to the league’s disciplinary committee (DC), as detailed in a
comprehensive report from the fourth official. This cancellation is a
considerable blow for the league, marking the second match at Eqinisweni Sports
Ground to be called off on Sunday.
Abandoned
Earlier, a fixture between Nsingizini Hotspurs and Denver Sundowns was similarly
abandoned due to the latter’s inability to field a sufficient number of
players, heightening the frustrations of fans and league officials eager for the
season’s return. According to the Women Football Association (WFA) Rules and
Regulations, Leopard Ladies now face a fine of E1 500. This penalty arises from
their failure to fulfil their fixture against Wanderers, who arrived at the
venue well ahead of their opponents. Scheduled to kick-off at 2 pm, the match
experienced a 35-minute delay before a decision was made to cancel, awarding the
‘IziGirls’ three goals and three points.
Royal Leopard Ladies have breached several articles within the WFA regulations,
specifically Articles 4.1, 4.2 and 4.12, incurring fines of E500 and E1 000
respectively. Article 4.1 states that clubs must report to the designated
official at least 90 minutes before the match, while Article 4.2 requires clubs
to be present at the licence checking point at least 75 minutes prior to
kick-off. Failure to comply results in a minimum fine of E500. The most
significant fine stems from Article 4.12, which addresses the abandonment of
matches.  It stipulates that any club that ‘walks out’ or refuses to play
will forfeit the match, with three points and the same number of goals awarded
to their opponents, along with a fine of no less than E1 000.
In a similar development, Southern Divas may soon find themselves in hot water
for failing to report for their scheduled match against Mbekelweni Ladies. This
clash was also scheduled for Eqinisweni Sports Ground. Their absence has drawn
scrutiny as officials investigate potential violations of the above-mentioned
article.