Officials from the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) will be in SA in early January 2014 to hear from two National First Division clubs, Thanda Royal Zulu and Chippa United, who are both hoping to gain significantly from the outcome.
At the heart of the problem is the fact that Thanda only played 27 games due to an agreed strike at the beginning of last season, whereas promoted Polokwane City featured in 30 matches.
After losing their case to SAFA, Amabhubhesi owner, Pierre Delvaux, was so aggrieved that he decided to take matters to a higher level in an effort to redress this three-game advantage.
Originally the Chilli Boys and Amabhubhesi were due to fly to Europe for their hearings but CAS has now communicated that they'll be in the country for this important matter.
"We received a letter from CAS confirming they'll be in SA," a Chippa United source told Soccer-Laduma. "Our case will be heard on 7 January 2014 and Thanda's the day before (6th)."
Back in June when an interim High Court order declared the Play-Off results between Chippa, Santos and Mpumalanga Black Aces as "provisional", Chippa United jumped on the bandwagon claiming this competition was in breach of both the PSL and SAFA Constitutions and FIFA Statutes.
The outcome of these hearings could have catastrophic results for both the PSL and NFD should the clubs come out victorious.
Court Of Arbitration For Sports Coming To SA!
Ian Palmer
