The SA Football motherbody, SAFA have issued clarity on reports that it has suggested that the PSL increase the number of teams from 16 to 18. The number of clubs in the Premier Division was reduced to 16 in 2002 after the League opted to buy out Ria Stars and Free State Stars. This was in order to reduce fixture congestion.
In a report carried out by the City Press on Sunday, it is also alleged that SAFA are not happy with the pool of players from which Bafana Bafana and national junior teams are selected.
18-TEAM PREMIERSHIP VIABLE FOR PSL?
They also suggested that to solve the problem the PSL should return to the 18-team DStv premiership and NFD leagues.
The proposal was made during its presentation to Parliament’s portfolio committee on sports, arts and culture last week Friday.
But in a statement issued on Wednesday, SAFA have distanced themselves from the report.
OFFICIAL SAFA CLARITY STATEMENT
“SAFA has noted the media reports claiming that the Association is in talks with the Premier Soccer League (PSL) about increasing the number of premiership teams from 16 to 18 sides.
SAFA wishes to state that no such discussions are taking place between the two organisations.
Increasing the premiership teams from 16 to 18 teams is an idea that was suggested by SAFA as a means to help increase the pool of Bafana Bafana players and other junior national teams.
SAFA also wishes to state that this is not the brainchild of the Association’s Technical Director Walter Steenbok as it was erroneously reported this past weekend and it is in fact a proposal that was proposed by the Association.
On another matter, the Association made a presentation about South Africa’s bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027 to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Sports on 19 May 2023 and contrary to some reports, the meeting was successful.
At no stage did the Committee members say they would not endorse South Africa’s bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Reports claiming such are also both malicious and devoid of any truth,” ended the statement.
