Cape Town Spurs coach Ernst Middendorp has penned an open letter to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and the South African Football Association (SAFA), urging them to restore integrity to refereeing standards.

Among the points listed by Middendorp is the urgent need to appoint an independent review commission to scrutinize the performance of match officials. The former Kaizer Chiefs coach is currently grappling with disappointment after Spurs were officially relegated from the Motsepe Foundation Championship to the ABC Motsepe Regional League in Cape Town at the end of the recently concluded season.

This relegation followed their demotion from the Betway Premiership, the PSL’s top-flight, at the end of the 2023/24 season.

Throughout the past Motsepe Foundation Championship season, Middendorp repeatedly voiced his complaints about the standard of officiating in the PSL, stating that “enough is enough” and demanding action to curb poor officiating.

In his open letter, Middendorp wrote: “I am deeply frustrated with both the on-field officiating and off-field governance. Systemic malversation is a serious concern. 

“To the leadership of the Premier Soccer League (PSL), SAFA, and the broader South African football community, I am writing this letter as a football professional with 31 years of experience and an advocate for fair competition, integrity, and the transformative power of soccer,” said Middendorp in an open letter.”

He expressed profound disappointment, adding: “It is with deep disappointment and concern that I must address the systemic issues that have affected the National First Division (NFD), both on and off the field. 

“It is crucial to acknowledge that the integrity of any league depends on the credibility of its administration and officiating. When these foundational elements falter, the ripple effects spread across every facet of the league, tarnishing its reputation and undermining its purpose.  

“The players, who train tirelessly to showcase their talents, find themselves demoralized by external factors that overshadow their performances.” 

Under the heading “A League in Decline,” Middendorp detailed his concerns: “The NFD, meant to be a fair and merit-driven platform, is plagued by malversation, manipulation, and political interference. Match officials frequently demonstrate questionable impartiality and competence, hinting at influence or even fixing. Such issues aren’t isolated but part of a larger problem; our competition is compromised, leaving honest clubs disillusioned while irregular practices go unchecked.”

He continued: “Decisions made behind closed doors, whether about licensing, eligibility, discipline, or favoritism, imply that power and influence outweigh merit and rules. This undermines trust among league members, fans, sponsors, and future generations who see football as a path forward.”

In his “Call for Reform,” Middendorp outlined his proposals: “The NFD should be a pillar of our developmental system — a league where professionalism, transparency, and meritocracy are not optional, but expected.”

I urge PSL and SAFA to:

• Commission an independent review of NFD officiating and governance.
• Strengthen whistleblower protections.
• Enforce accountability and transparency in major decisions.
• Involve credible football professionals in oversight roles to rebuild trust.

“This isn’t about one team, season, or incident. Without trust in our competitions, progress and unity are impossible. Action is needed to save honest professionals (players, coaches, managers, officials) and preserve the game’s integrity.” 

“Sincerely, Ernst Middendorp”