PSL alleged match-fixing probe closed, Swallows had no leg to stand on

06 August 2015 - 15:08 By Mninawa Ntloko

The long-running investigation into alleged match-fixing in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) has spluttered to a limp conclusion after it emerged on Wednesday that Moroka Swallows’ claims of corruption in the domestic game were flimsy and never had a leg to stand on. PSL CEO Brand de Villiers said on Wednesday that prosecutor Nande Becker found nothing to back Swallows’ claims that fellow strugglers Free State Stars influenced the outcome of a match in the final weeks of last season.“From the evidence that was obtained there is no concrete evidence that will substantiate a successful prosecution by the prosecutor (Nande) and our disciplinary committees‚ and that is the status of the matter‚” De Villiers said.“So there is no prosecution of anyone happening‚ there is nothing further we can do and there is no new evidence coming in.”Swallows — who were relegated after the playoffs last season — cast a shadow of doubt over the integrity of the league in May when they complained to the PSL‚ suggesting that the outcome of Star’s 3-2 win over Polokwane City on April 18 may have been manipulated.That result was part of an impressive run that enabled Stars to win six consecutive matches and pull out of the relegation quicksand‚ eventually finishing an impressive ninth on the league table.While the match-fixing investigation is over‚ a Polokwane City official will still face the music for refusing to co-operate with PSL investigators during the probe.The official was charged with misconduct and has already appeared before the disciplinary committee. The matter is now under appeal at the South African Football Association (Safa).Swallows are also not off the hook for their part in the debacle as they will be charged for going to court to try and stop the relegation-promotion playoffs from taking place in June.The PSL is not impressed that after Swallows voiced their suspicion to the league and asked for Stars to be investigated‚ the Birds management and AmaZulu — who were relegated automatically last season — approached the Johannesburg High Court and tried to stop the playoffs.According to the court papers‚ Swallows and AmaZulu wanted Stars to be expelled from the domestic top flight and then the clubs would swap positions. Swallows would take Stars’ place and retain their premiership status while AmaZulu would move into the playoffs.But the Johannesburg High Court struck the mattern off the roll and ordered the two clubs to pay the PSL costs of opposition.“They have been charged by the disciplinary committee because as per our rules clubs have to follow our processes‚” De Villiers explained on Wednesday.“They tried to interdict us and from the league’s point of view they should not have done that. That matter is before the disciplinary committee.”De Villiers also revealed that the PSL calendar is not likely to change in the foreseeable future and will continue to run from August to May.A lot of the fixture congestion in the domestic game is often attributed to the calender as the Confederation of African Football operates from February to November rather than from August to May. - The Times..

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