CAPE TOWN - The Premier Soccer League (PSL) could be set for a court battle with the South African Football Association (SAFA), after announcing that it will seek legal advice on SAFA's new multi-million rand sponsorship deal with OUTsurance.
On Tuesday last week SAFA announced a five year partnership with the insurance firm, which will see match officials wearing kits emblazoned with the OUTsurance logo during Absa Premiership matches.
After a meeting of the National Soccer League's board of governors in Kempton Park on Thursday, the PSL released a statement indicating that it will seek legal advice with regards to a potential infringement on the rights of its sponsors
"The board of governors discussed, amongst other matters, the implications of sponsorship agreement entered into between SAFA and Outsurance to sponsor match officials," the press release said.
"The NSL is of the view that the sponsorship infringes on the rights of NSL sponsors. The board of governors mandated the Executive Committee to seek legal advice on the matter and to take all steps as may be necessary to resolve the matter."
The kits are also the same green and purple as the company's other branding, and the sponsorship is said to be worth R50 million over the five year period. Referees have already started wearing the new kits during matches.
The Board of Governors also discussed the allegations against Black Leopards FC chairman, David Thidiela. Thidiela is accused of threatening a refree after Leopards 1-0 loss to Bloemfontein Celtic on Sunday in Thohoyandou.
PSL Statement following Board of Governor’s Meeting pic.twitter.com/SwgARX6OvH
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) September 20, 2018
"The Board of Governors referred the matter to the League's Prosecutor, Mr. Nande Becker for urgent attention," the press release stated. "In the interim the board of governors resolved to place Mr. Thidiela on precautionary suspension from the PSL executive committee until the matter is resolved."
@LiamCPT