By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South African Football Association is putting plans to clamp down on the practice that has seen a number of teams being sold.
In a statement sent out to clubs and various authorities by SAFA CEO Tebogo Mothlante, the practice of purchasing franchises with the purpose of renaming it, relocating it and disenfranchising its stakeholders will be prohibited unless sanctioned by the SAFA Competitions Committee.
“The sale of a franchise which is to the detriment of a league championship and results in changing headquarters, changing the name and/or stakeholders, and furthermore is to the detriment of the integrity of sports competition, must be prohibited,” the statement read in part.
SAFA have also revealed that failure to adhere to these rules could see teams being relegated to its province’s LFA or SAFA region.
4.3.2 In the event of a club being sold and relocating, it shall be relegated to its current Province or SAFA Region or SAFA LFA, except where the SAFA Competitions Committee decides otherwise after considering a properly motivated application to that effect
4.3.3 No team shall be allowed to change its name without the prior approval of SAFA, on the recommendation of the Competitions Committee, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.”
Bidvest Wits, Highlands Park, Bloemfontein Celtic are among teams that have all been purchased, renamed and relocated.