AmaZulu have been taken to the South African Football Association’s (SAFA) Appeals Board by Cape Town Spurs following the signing of midfielder Liam Bern, whose transfer has sparked fresh legal drama in South African football.

Cape Town Spurs Demand Transfer Fee

AmaZulu signed Bern as a free agent a couple of days ago after the PSL Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) ruled in his favour. However, Spurs maintain that they are legally entitled to a transfer fee and have challenged the ruling by escalating the matter to SAFA.

This move was widely expected, as Spurs previously filed similar cases against Kaizer Chiefs over the signings of former Spurs players Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman.

Why Spurs Are Blocking Liam Bern’s Move

Bern had a long-running contractual dispute with Spurs, who initially blocked his move to AmaZulu. Spurs argued that the player was still under contract and therefore not eligible for free agency.

However, Bern’s legal team, backed by AmaZulu, took the case to the PSL DRC, citing a PSL regulation that voids contracts when a club is relegated to the ABC Motsepe League (the amateur division). Spurs were relegated at the end of last season, opening the door for Bern to declare free agency.

Precedent Set by Velebayi and Baartman

Bern’s case follows the precedent set by his former Spurs teammates, Velebayi and Baartman, who both sought free agency after the club’s relegation. Like Bern, they won their disputes at the DRC and signed with Chiefs, but their playing eligibility has been delayed pending Spurs’ appeal.

Similarly, AmaZulu cannot yet field Bern until the SAFA Appeals Board makes a final ruling.

SAFA Appeals Board Decision Will Be Final

The Appeals Board represents the last stage of the legal process. Once the ruling is delivered, neither Spurs would be able to appeal further.

If the decision favours AmaZulu and Bern, the midfielder will be cleared to play immediately. However, if Spurs succeed, AmaZulu may be forced to pay a transfer fee or risk losing the player.