MATCHDAY CHAOS: LEOPARD LADIES FACE FINE

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.

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