Black Leopards argue PSL jumped the gun in fight for NFD status


The urgent matter will be heard on Monday, with Lidoda Duvha arguing the PSL acted prematurely before FIFA had formally ruled on a transfer ban applied to the side as Cape Town All Stars’ sporting successor – a term used when a club is deemed to have inherited another’s football identity and obligations.

Leopards purchased All Stars’ National First Division [NFD] status in 2023 in a bid to remain in the second tier of SA football.

However, ahead of the 2025/26 season, the PSL withdrew the club’s player registration cards after taking the view that a FIFA ban imposed on All Stars extended to Leopards under the principle of “sporting succession”.

While Leopards do not dispute the sanction itself, they argue that the League acted before FIFA had formally confirmed the ban.

According to heads of argument seen by the public broadcaster, Leopards claim both SAFA and FIFA had initially indicated that no sanction was applicable to the club at the time the PSL withdrew their registration cards.

The Limpopo outfit insists the decision severely prejudiced them, forcing the club to play four matches without a full squad because they could not properly comply with the League’s U-23 player rule of having a minimum of five players in that age group and two of them on the pitch at all times.   

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The affected fixtures were against Casric Stars, University of Pretoria, Lerumo Lions and Leicesterford City.

Leopards argue those matches were played “under duress” after the withdrawal of their player cards left them competitively compromised during a critical stage of the season and cost them points. 

At some stage Lidoda Duvha could failed to have 11 players on the pitch. 

The club further argues that FIFA only formally confirmed the sporting succession finding and resulting sanction in October – only a month or so after those fixtures had already been played.

What is central to Leopards’ case is the distinction between acquiring a PSL franchise and being declared its sporting successor.

They argue that buying a status does not automatically amount to sporting succession, insisting that only FIFA, and not the PSL, has the authority to make that determination.

Leopards are now seeking to overturn the PSL’s refusal to postpone the fixtures, while also requesting that the four matches be replayed as they continue their fight to retain their Motsepe Foundation Championship status.