SAFA Set To Deliver The Outcome On Velebayi And Baartman Next Week

Sportswire has learned that Kaizer Chiefs and Cape Town Spurs presented their arguments on Monday in a long-running dispute involving players Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman.

The arguments will be heard on Friday, and a ruling from the South African Football Association (SAFA) is expected next week, likely on Monday.

Velebayi and Baartman initially won their cases via the Premier Soccer League (PSL) Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC). Spurs had argued that the players were bound by professional contracts, even though the club was relegated to the ABC Motsepe Regional League, which is an amateur league.

Determined to receive a transfer fee for both players, Spurs took the matter to the SAFA Appeals Board after losing at the PSL DRC.

After the players won their cases, the PSL DRC applied its rules by declaring them free agents—Chiefs quickly signed Velebayi and Baartman. However, Spurs’ appeal to the SAFA Appeals Board has blocked Chiefs from fielding either player.

Chiefs cannot use Velebayi or Baartman in the Betway Premiership as they risk being docked points by SAFA should the final ruling favor Spurs.

Spurs has taken similar action regarding Liam Bern of AmaZulu, who was also recently declared a free agent by the PSL DRC. Spurs has appealed this to the SAFA Appeals Board in the hope of a favorable outcome.

AmaZulu is now in the same position as Chiefs and cannot play Bern until SAFA rules on his case.