Media Release: Mangaung City FC unhappy with SAFA Free State, consults it's attorneys

Media Release: Mangaung City FC unhappy with SAFA Free State, consults it's attorneys Mangaung City FC expresses serious dissatisfaction with SAFA Free State’s handling of complaint against Sasolburg United FC and Mangaung Unite FC. Mangaung City Football Club (FC) wishes to express its serious dissatisfaction and concern regarding the apparent lack of progress and communication from the South African Football Association (SAFA) Free State Provincial Executive Office (PEO) concerning a formal complaint lodged against Sasolburg United FC and Mangaung Unite FC in the ABC Motsepe League. The complaint submitted on 10 September 2026, concerns the alleged contravention of SAFA rules and regulations by the two clubs through their involvement in the High Court proceedings against SAFA. Mangaung City FC subsequently sent a follow-up email on 28 September 2026 and on 14 October 2026 seeking an update on the matter. To date, the club has received neither a substantive response nor written acknowledgment of receipt of its original complaint. Mangaung City FC is deeply concerned that SAFA Free State appears to be ignoring the complaint or unduly delaying the process of addressing it. The continued lack of communication raises serious questions about the handling of the matter, the enforcement of SAFA rules and regulations as well as the commitment to fair, transparent and consistent disciplinary processes within football in the province. Mangaung City FC draws attention to Rules 17.4, 17.5 and 17.6 of the SAFA rules and regulations. Rule 17.4 provides that SAFA and its members at provincial, regional and local levels shall subject themselves to the resolution of disputes by the Dispute Resolution Committee in terms of the SAFA Statutes and resolutions approved by the SAFA National Executive Committee from time to time. Rule 17.5 states that an Arbitrator’s decision shall be final and binding and that no person, official or club/team shall take a dispute to the ordinary courts of law. It further provides that a dispute following an Arbitrator’s award may only be referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Rule 17.6 states that any person, official or club/team violating Rule 17.5 shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of not less than R500 000 together with immediate expulsion from SAFA activities. In light of these provisions, Mangaung City FC believes that the allegations raised in its complaint warrant urgent and proper consideration by the relevant SAFA structures. The club maintains that, should the alleged contraventions be established through the appropriate disciplinary process, the consequences provided for under the applicable rules must be considered and enforced. The club further maintains that the matter deserves consistent and impartial treatment, without favour or prejudice, irrespective of the identity or status of the clubs involved. Mangaung City demand for accountability and urgent response. Mangaung City FC respectfully but firmly calls upon the SAFA Free State Provincial Executive Office to provide a written response addressing the following: Formal acknowledgment of receipt of the complaint submitted on 10 September 2026. An update on the current status of the complaint and the steps taken since its submission. An explanation for the lack of communication following the original complaint and the follow-up email of 28 September 2026. Clarification of the applicable disciplinary and dispute-resolution procedures, including the anticipated timeframe for dealing with the matter. Confirmation of the steps SAFA Free State intends to take to ensure that the allegations are handled fairly, transparently and in accordance with the applicable SAFA rules and regulations. Mangaung City FC believes that the continued silence from the relevant office is unacceptable and undermines confidence in the administration of football in the Free State. Clubs must be able to rely on the governing structures of football to receive complaints, communicate with affected parties and address alleged violations of the rules through established procedures. Given the absence of a response and the apparent lack of progress in resolving this matter, Mangaung City FC has reached the stage of consulting its attorneys and legal representatives to consider the appropriate further steps available to the club. This decision is not taken lightly, it reflects the club’s determination to ensure that its complaint is properly addressed and that the applicable rules and regulations are respected. Mangaung City FC reserves all rights available to it in terms of the applicable rules and law. The club wishes to emphasise that its concern is not about securing preferential treatment, but about accountability, consistency and the proper administration of football. The same rules must be applied fairly to all affiliated clubs and complaints should not be left unanswered without explanation. Mangaung City FC remains committed to the development and integrity of football in South Africa however, the club cannot remain silent while a formal complaint of this nature remains without acknowledgment or a meaningful update. We therefore call on SAFA Free State to urgently attend to this matter, communicate its position in writing and provide a clear indication of how and when the complaint will be addressed. Mangaung City FC will continue to pursue the matter through the appropriate channels and will consider further lawful action should the situation remain unresolved. Issued by: Mr. Patrice Mathole Nkhatho Chairman Mangaung City FC