The inaugural CAF Club Licensing Seminar for domestic professional clubs kicked off in Johannesburg today, Tuesday 29 March 2016.

The inaugural CAF Club Licensing Seminar for domestic professional clubs kicked off in Johannesburg today, Tuesday 29 March 2016.

The two-day seminar is being attended by all the 32 members (clubs) of the Premier Soccer League and SAFA members.

In his opening remarks, PSL General Manager of Football, Derek Blanckensee thanked club members for their cooperation in the process of preparing for implementation of the FIFA Club Licensing.

“In the last few months, we have been busy with a consultative process which has included workshops in various parts of the country engaging our clubs on Club Licensing and ensuring that we adapt the Club Licensing to our local conditions. Since then a great deal of work has gone into developing Regulations that will be specific to the League.,” Blanckensee said.

SAFA CEO, Dennis Mumble said Club Licensing was crucial in the Federation’s Vision 2022. He applauded the PSL for the strides it has already made in laying the groundwork in implementing Club Licensing.

“The generation feeling whenever I travel in the continent is that South Africa is ahead of many Federations in implementing Club Licensing and we must congratulate the PSL for taking a lead in this process. There is, of course, a lot of work that needs to be done in ensuring that we comply with what FIFA and CAF expects us to do but we have a strong base to build from. We must embrace Club Licensing to ensure that we close the gap between Africa and Europe. It is no coincidence that some of our European counterparts are ahead as well – they have been implementing Club Licensing for years. But I’m confident we will get there.”

Club Licensing Objectives:

  • Safeguard the credibility and integrity of club competitions
  • Improve the level of professionalism within the football family
  • Promote sporting values in accordance with the principles of fair play, as well as safe and secure match environments
  • Promote good governance in clubs
  • Promote transparency in the control of clubs
  • Prevent ownership or influence over of more than one club