Royal AM Football Club is teetering on the edge of expulsion from the Premier Soccer League (PSL) following weeks of uncertainty surrounding its financial stability. According to the National Soccer League (NSL) handbook, extreme circumstances allow the league to impose sanctions that include suspension and even relegation—a fate that now seems increasingly likely for the embattled club.
Reports suggest that the PSL’s Executive Committee has been engaged in lengthy deliberations on the matter, with a firm decision expected soon. The potential enforcement of Rule 57.13 could see the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season proceed with only 15 clubs instead of the usual 16. This follows Royal AM’s failure to provide the league with sufficient guarantees about the club’s operations and upcoming fixtures after the South African Revenue Service (SARS) appointed a curator to take control of the team’s financial affairs.
Royal AM’s Ongoing Struggles
The turmoil began when SARS moved in to recover an outstanding tax debt of R40 million linked to the club’s owner, businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize. Since late last year, Royal AM has struggled to pay player salaries and staff wages, leading to further instability within the club.
Compounding their troubles, the PSL indefinitely postponed Royal AM’s league matches, citing concerns over financial guarantees. The last time the team took to the field was on December 29, 2023, when they suffered a 3-0 defeat to TS Galaxy at the Harry Gwala Stadium.
Adding to their woes, Royal AM’s legal attempts to overturn the PSL’s decisions have failed. A recent urgent court application seeking to compel both SARS and the PSL to allow them to resume fixtures was dismissed, leaving the club in a precarious position.
What This Means for the PSL
Currently sitting at the bottom of the PSL table, Royal AM has played just 11 matches, securing only one victory, five draws, and five losses, leaving them with a mere eight points. Their scheduled Nedbank Cup round of 32 clash against Milford FC was also postponed due to the ongoing dispute.
Should their expulsion be confirmed, it will not only affect the team but also disrupt the balance of the league, sponsors, and fans eagerly awaiting a resolution. The PSL is expected to make an official announcement before the end of the week, outlining the next steps.
With the fate of Royal AM hanging by a thread, South African football awaits with bated breath as the league prepares to make a historic and potentially controversial decision.
