By Melusi Mlotsa | 2024-11-29

SOCCER  - In a surprise move that some have described as a ridiculous claim, Royal Leopard FC have revealed plans to file a formal compensation request with the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) following the eleventh-hour postponement of their match against Mbabane Swallows.

The ‘Pick of the Week’ clash was scheduled to take place today at the Mavuso Sports Centre but was called off due to an unresolved impasse between Mbabane Swallows FC and Mbabane Swallows (Pty) Ltd. Efforts by the PLE to mediate between the two parties on Thursday failed to produce a resolution, leading to the cancellation.

Confirmed
Royal Leopard Chief Executive Officer, Frank Hurube confirmed the club’s intention to seek financial restitution for costs incurred while preparing for the match.

“Yes, we are preparing something to the PLE in the form of compensation. Remember, we have been preparing for this match with financial costs. For instance, for two days, we booked our players at Fitness Zone due to the bad weather conditions,” he said.

However, the rules governing the MTN Premier League for the 2024/25 season, approved by the Eswatini Football Association, appear to grant the PLE discretion over fixture changes. Article 4:2 states:

“Clubs shall be notified by the League of all fixtures changes in writing by no later than 24 hours before the scheduled start of the match.

Notifications
Such notifications shall include the date, time and venue when the said fixture will be played. Fixtures will only be amended in extreme circumstances at the discretion of the PLE.”

This has raised questions among stakeholders, since Highlanders FC was denied a similar postponement request under comparable circumstances  weeks ago. Critics were questioning the consistency of the PLE’s decision-making and the rationale behind accommodating Swallows in this instance.

Meanwhile, the ongoing dispute between Mbabane Swallows FC and Mbabane Swallows (Pty) Ltd is set to resume on Monday at Sigwaca House, leaving the status of the fixture and the potential resolution of Leopard's compensation claim in limbo.

The controversy has sparked heated debate in football circles, with many calling for clarity and fairness in the handling of such disputes to avoid further disruption to the league.

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