No Points Deduction for Marumo Gallants as PSL Fines Club R200,000 in Player Registration Case
No points deduction for Marumo Gallants as the Premier Soccer League fines the club R200,000 in the player registration case involving midfielder Monde Mpambaniso, with half the amount suspended and the player cleared of any wrongdoing.
In a decision that has sparked debate among football fans and clubs alike, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) Disciplinary Committee has opted not to deduct any points from Marumo Gallants following their guilty plea in a case of improper player registration. The club has been slapped with a R200,000 fine, of which R100,000 is suspended for 24 months, provided they do not commit a similar offence during that period. This outcome closes a saga that threatened to shake up the Betway Premiership standings and the upcoming MTN8 tournament, but leaves Gallants’ league position intact.
Background to the Marumo Gallants Registration Scandal
The controversy began earlier in the 2024/25 season when Marumo Gallants signed midfielder Monde Mpambaniso from Cape Town City FC. The transfer raised red flags because Gallants registered the player without obtaining the required international or domestic clearance certificate, a mandatory step under PSL and FIFA regulations to ensure a player is free from contractual obligations with their previous club.
Cape Town City FC, Mpambaniso’s former team, lodged a formal complaint, arguing that the registration was invalid and that Gallants had fielded an ineligible player in matches. This led to an arbitration hearing at the South African Football Association (SAFA), which ruled in favour of Cape Town City. The matter was then referred back to the PSL Disciplinary Committee for final adjudication. Initial fears suggested Gallants could face severe penalties, including points deductions or even demotion, similar to past cases where clubs like Ajax Cape Town (now Cape Town Spurs) were relegated for fielding ineligible players.
Prosecutor Zola Majavu, who handled the case, explained the charges stemmed directly from the lack of a clearance certificate. “This case stemmed from the registration of Mr Mpambaniso, which was procured by Marumo Gallants without the required clearance certificate in accordance with the rules of the league,” Majavu stated in his update.
Details of the Guilty Plea and Sanctions
Marumo Gallants chose to plead guilty to the charges of misconduct, avoiding a prolonged trial. The Disciplinary Committee, after considering the plea and evidence, convicted the club but spared them from harsher punishments. The fine totals R200,000, but with R100,000 suspended on condition that Gallants do not repeat the offence within 24 months. If they do, the suspended portion will activate immediately, on top of any new penalties.
Additionally, Gallants must cover the costs of the Disciplinary Committee hearing, adding to their financial burden. Importantly, the player himself, Monde Mpambaniso, was found not guilty and faces no sanctions. Majavu confirmed: “The player found not guilty, not sanction for the player.” This absolves Mpambaniso, allowing him to continue playing without restrictions.
The decision aligns with PSL rules that allow for fines in cases of administrative errors, especially when clubs admit fault early. However, it contrasts with stricter FIFA guidelines, which sometimes mandate points deductions and awarding wins to opponents in cases of ineligible players. Some fans and analysts question whether the ruling fully adheres to international standards, with one social media user noting: “Shouldn’t 3 points be deducted from the offender and 3 points plus 3 goals awarded to the other team?”
No Points Deduction: Relief for Gallants, Disappointment for Rivals
The absence of a points deduction is the headline-grabber here. Early reports suggested Gallants could lose points from matches where Mpambaniso played, potentially dropping them in the standings and opening spots for other teams. Gallants finished eighth in the previous season, qualifying them for the MTN8 knockout tournament. A deduction might have bumped them out, possibly allowing ninth-placed Kaizer Chiefs to sneak in.
However, with no changes to the standings, Chiefs miss out on what some called a “backdoor entry” to the MTN8. Social media erupted with reactions, from Orlando Pirates fans mocking Chiefs – “Chiefs remains on MTN top 9” – to others expressing frustration over the leniency. One post highlighted: “Bicycle FC are not getting backdoor entry,” referring to Chiefs’ nickname in some circles.
Cape Town City, as the aggrieved party, retains the right to appeal the decision. If they do, the case could drag on, but for now, it’s closed from the PSL’s perspective. Majavu’s full statement emphasised finality: “I can confirm that a short while ago, the PSL DC just finalised a disciplinary matter in which I had preferred charges of misconduct against Marumo Gallants Football Club as well as its player, Mr Monde Mpambaniso.”
Player Profile: Who is Monde Mpambaniso?
Monde Mpambaniso is a talented South African midfielder known for his versatility and work rate. He joined Marumo Gallants from Cape Town City, where he had been a squad player. The 29-year-old has experience in the PSL, having also played for clubs like Bloemfontein Celtic and Chippa United earlier in his career. His registration blunder put him in the spotlight, but being cleared means he can focus on contributing to Gallants’ campaign. Mpambaniso has featured in several matches this season, helping the team in their quest for a strong league finish.
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