PSL respond to Swallows-Gallants status saga

SABC Sport has seen communication from the League to the two parties making it clear it will not be drawn into what it views as a commercial disagreement between the two parties following their sale agreement.  

As previously reported, former Swallows owner David Mogashoa is attempting to reclaim ownership of the top-flight status and is seeking a court order that would compel the League's Executive Committee to transfer the franchise back to him from Gallants. 

The dispute stems from a deal concluded in May 2024, in which Gallants owner Abram Sello agreed to purchase Swallows' status for R40 million.  

However, it later emerged that only part of the agreed fee was paid, triggering a breakdown in relations between the two parties. 

Mogashoa claims Sello still owes him a balance of R20 million, while Sello disputes this, arguing the disagreement centres not on non-payment but on the structure and terms of the transaction.

The matter has since escalated into a legal battle, with both chairmen outlining their versions of events in affidavits being prepared for the courts.  

Amid the dispute, the PSL’s legal department has issued correspondence clarifying the league’s position.  

READ: Mogashoa accuses Sello of delay tactics in R40m dispute

The document, seen by SABC Sport, states that the PSL will not intervene in the litigation and that any change in club ownership must comply with Article 13 of the NSL Handbook, irrespective of the court’s ruling. 

Article 13 requires member clubs to furnish monetary or other guarantees to the League before the start of each season as proof of financial compliance. 

The League emphasises that its Executive Committee retains full authority to assess, approve or reject any application for a status transfer and that this process cannot be bypassed by a court order. 

Even if Swallows are successful in court, the PSL insists a formal application must still be submitted and evaluated in line with Article 13 requirements.  

The outcome of the case, the League noted, would be considered as one factor, but would not be binding on its decision-making process. 

The PSL has also cautioned against any attempt to sidestep its regulations, requesting confirmation from Swallows’ legal representatives that they are not seeking to bypass the prescribed process. 

It warned that failure to do so could result in the league formally opposing the application and pursuing legal costs.