12 March 2019 –The Arbitrator has, in his judgment delivered on Monday, 11 March 2019, finally awarded the South African Football Association (SAFA) the right to run Schools Football in the country.
The long-awaited judgement comes after the South African Schools Football Association (SASFA) had taken SAFA to court arguing that they should put aside their March 2015 Resolution of taking over the running of the schools’ football.
In his judgement, Arbitrator Ignatius Maenetja SC said SAFA as the custodians of football, had the sole prerogative to run schools football in the country and that any other body can do so at the discretion of the Association.
In dismissing SASFA’s claim, Arbitrator Maenetja also ordered SASFA to pay the legal costs of SAFA’s two Senior Counsel.
Chair of SAFA Schools Football Committee, Mzimkhulu Fina said the ruling finally brings closure to the long running matter.
“We as the Association have maintained that schools football should fall under the direct administration of the Association and we are happy common sense has prevailed. We have always been resolute that this is the right call and I am glad that this issue is now behind us,” said Mzimkhulu Fina, chair of SAFA Schools Football Committee who added FIFA Statutes always supported the governing body.
Article 11 of FIFA Statutes read: “Any association which is responsible for organising and supervising football in all its forms in its country may become a member association. Consequently, it is recommended that all member associations involve all relevant stakeholders in football in their own structure.”
Article 20 further states unequivocally: “Clubs, leagues or any other groups affiliated to a member association shall be subordinate to and recognised by that member association. The member associations statutes shall define the scope and authority and the rights and duties of these groups. The statutes and regulations of these groups shall be approved by the member association.”