Mamelodi Sundowns were fined R100 000 — R60 000 suspend for 12 months — by the Premier Soccer League’s (PSL) disciplinary committee on Tuesday night.
Sundowns were found guilty on charges of failing to attend the post-match press conference after the MTN 8 Cup final in Durban last month and for delaying the start of the second half of the match for five minutes.
Downs showed poor sportsmanship for failing to attend the post-match press conference after they were beaten 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out by Kaizer Chiefs on September 23 after neither side had managed to score during the regulation 90 minutes plus 30 minutes of extra time.
Said PSL prosecutor Zola Majavu after the hearing: ”I believe this will send out the right signal to other PSL clubs that the league will not tolerate clubs breaking the rules. We now have a media manual to work with and clubs are aware of their obligations. If they fail to adhere to the rules they will be punished.”
Sundowns are the first club to be prosecuted successfully with the new rules. They must pay their R40 000 fine within 30 days and, if found guilty of a similar charge within 12 months, they will forfeit the R60 000 that has been suspended.
Sundowns were also ordered to pay the cost of the two hearings. The first hearing scheduled for last Monday night was adjourned. The estimated cost of the two hearings is R25 000. — Sapa