FIFA clears Black Leopards to register players amid ongoing probe

Lidoda Duvha had been operating under a cloud after the Premier Soccer League (PSL) informed them they were sanctioned, meaning every game risked being forfeited until the ban was resolved.

As a result, all four of their matches to date were played under protest, with the fixture against Upington City postponed last month after Leopards requested more time to address the matter.

Chairman Tshifhiwa Thidiela previously told Metro FM’s Sports Night Amplified that the saga stems from their purchase of the All Stars status two years ago. 

The problem, he argued, was FIFA’s belated discovery that All Stars had failed to complete an assessment for the FIFA clearing house portal — which then triggered a registration ban that was passed on to Leopards as the new owners.

What was bizarre was why this was only flagged more than two seasons later.

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The latest information reaching the public broadcaster confirms FIFA’s go-ahead for the Limpopo-based club to now bolster their 2025/26 roster. 

And this means Leopards can finally field a full starting eleven and bench, unlike their opening game against Casric Stars, where they lined up with just 10 players and defender Thendo Mukumela forced to play in goal during a 3-0 loss.

They were also unable to meet the PSL’s U23 quota in subsequent fixtures, but Saturday’s clash against Highbury in Thohoyandou is expected to proceed without drama, even as Leopards seek clarity on why the sanction was imposed so late.