Mamelodi Sundowns face the prospect of being docked a point after the Premier Soccer League have charged them with contravening the National Soccer League handbook in a case that dates back to October.
Sundowns stand accused of fielding defender Wayne Arendse in the 1-1 draw with BidVest Wits on October 7‚ despite the fact that he did not appear on their original team list of 18 players for the match.
This is in contravention of regulation Rule 16.3.2‚ which states that players may be moved from the bench into the starting line-up before a game begins‚ but no-one from outside of the match-day 18 can be added.
Arendse played the full 90 minutes for Sundowns‚ but it could cost them the point they gained there and potentially hand an extra two to title rivals Wits.
The Premier Soccer League has confirmed that they have charged Mamelodi Sundowns for the ineligible fielding of Wayne Arendse in a previous Absa Premiership clash.
“Mamelodi Sundowns have been charged with contravening Rule 16.3.2 of the NSL Handbook after they allegedly fielded an ineligible player, Wayne Arendse, against Bidvest Wits during their Absa Premiership fixture on 07 October 2018,” a PSL statement read in part.
During a league encounter against Bidvest Wits on October 07, Wayne Arendse was called from the stands to replace Thapelo Morena who picked up an injury during the warm-up.
Arendse was not part of the 18-man squad on the day and despite a Sundowns’ official confirming that the match commissioner was informed of the last minute change, Sundowns were still found guilty of contravening Rule 16.3.2 of the NSL Handbook.
The rule states “16.3.2. No Player may be added to the team sheet who was not listed on the team sheet that was submitted.”
Sundowns are now set to appear before a disciplinary committee on Wednesday, 06 February 2019.