’DOWNS TO RUN TO FIFA IF …

MBABANE – They are watching with keen interest!

That is the story of MTN National First Division (NFD) outfit Denver Sundowns, who were implicated in the lengthy relegation battle with hub rivals Manzini Wanderers. The sides were hauled before the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Disciplinary Committee (DC), after ‘Weslians’ lodged a protest against Sundowns’ skipper Jimoh Moses. The Musa Manyatsi-coached side alleged that the defender had no valid work permit during the clubs’ MTN Premier League relegation six-pointer, which was played at the Somhlolo National Stadium, on May 19, 2024. The DC Chairman, Thulani Sibandze, dismissed the case.

This did not sit well with the maroon and white hub giants, as they took the matter to the EFA Appeals Board, chaired by Derrick Jele. This EFA judicial body also dismissed the case. Wanderers then approached the High Court, seeking that it reviews the Appeals Board judgment. Judge Mumcy Dlamini ordered that the decision of the Appeals Board dismissing Wanderers’ appeal, be reviewed and set aside.

Judge Dlamini also ordered the Chairman of the Appeals Board, as well as EFA to do all act(s) necessary to remedy the irregularities of May 19, 2024. Ikappa Kappa Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Elvis Dube said even though they accepted being officially relegated to the second-tier of local football, they are interested in the outcome of the matter. “We heard rumours of a 15-team league doing rounds and if that eventually occurs, we will not run to the court, but would start at the PLE, then to EFA. If these organisations fail to help us we will then run to CAF or FIFA,” Dube said.

He said during the PLE Special Meeting, which was held at Sigwaca House, it was revealed that Sundowns were relegated, but they would go down with another team. “If they eventually decide to have 15 teams, we will not relax, as this is against the MTN Premier League Rules and Regulations,” he added.Dube said they are ready to return to the elite league, should football bodies decide to have a 16-team league this season. According to article 56 of the FIFA Statutes, the global football body recognises the independent Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) headquartered in Lausanne (Switzerland) to resolve disputes between FIFA, member associations, confederations, leagues, clubs, players, officials, intermediaries and licensed match agents. Wanderers, on the other hand, through their legal representative SM Jele Attorneys, have given the EFA an ultimatum, demanding the date for resolving their issue, as they want to play in the elite league.

Meanwhile, Moneni Pirates, who also have an interest in the matter, filed a Notice of Appeal after the ruling by Judge Dlamini to the Supreme Court. This matter, according to a legal representative of the ‘Sea Robbers’, might be heard in 2025. It is worth mentioning that Pirates are already playing in this year’s premier league campaign, while Sundowns are in the NFD. The ‘Weslians’ are yet to kick a ball this season, apart from the practice match, which they won 3-1 against the national team Sihlangu, this past Thursday.

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