KOLA BLOW FOR ‘BIRDS’

MBABANE- It is now up to FIFA to rule who owns striker Aladeon Kola.

What is certain is that he will not be part of Mbabane Swallows in the TOTAL CAF Champions League match against Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia on Tuesday at Mavuso Sports Centre. His team last season, Manzini Wanderers, yesterday appealed the verdict by the Player’s Status Committee to the world soccer governing body, Federation of International Football Association (FIFA).

This, they did through the Eswatini Football Association.
Wanderers CEO Pat Mahlalela said they were exercising their right as stated in the verdict letter. “We were shocked by the verdict and we felt we should exercise our right and appeal as stated in the verdict. We were not satisfied by the judgment so we took the matter to FIFA. We believe they will do justice to this matter,” Mahlalela said.

He further pointed out that they still stood by their statement that the player was theirs.
Eswatini Football Association CEO Frederick Mngomezulu confirmed that they received the appeal from Manzini Wanderers. “We have received the appeal and we have already forwarded it to FIFA.

Although I can’t say when they will respond, it could be before the end of next week,” Mngomezulu said. He further disclosed that the player would miss Étoile du Sahel clash on Tuesday as he will not have registered with CAF to play for Swallows.

“Had Wanderers not appealed, the player would have played for Swallows but that is not the case anymore as there is an appeal.  The appeal nullifies the ruling by the Player Status Committee at the moment,” he said.

When Black Swallows Director Charles Matsebula was reached, he declined to comment.
“I have nothing much to say other than that if we are required and expected to fly to Zurich to defend the matter we shall do so,” Matsebula said.

Swallows General Manager Sandile’ Beyond 2000’ Zwane said they would get a directive from the EFA.
“We’ve submitted all documents for his registration and our lawyers are working around the clock to ensure he plays on Tuesday. We also know there’s a good fee to pay when you appeal with FIFA payable on a certain period. We’ll keep our supporters informed,” he said.
Meanwhile, in its ruling, the PSC noted that the expiration of Kola’s contract with Wanderers meant he was due to return to his parent club, Pigg’s Peak Black Swallows.

For that reason, they found nothing wrong with him signing another contract with Mbabane Swallows back in May.
The PSC had also given Wanderers until 10am yesterday to submit the player’s clearance to the EFA’s offices, so he could be registered with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for Swallows who intended using the player in the continental tournament. However, Wanderers did not do that but appealed the verdict.

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