The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has officially removed Royal AM from the Nedbank Cup, citing the need to move the tournament forward. The KwaZulu-Natal club had caused significant disruptions to the competition, leading to two games not taking place due to their legal battle over the postponement of their fixture.
Milford FC Progresses to the Last 16
With its expulsion, Milford FC has been granted automatic passage to the last 16, where they will face Sekhukhune United on Sunday at Princess Magogo Stadium. The winner of that encounter will go on to meet Mamelodi Sundowns in the quarter-finals.
The PSL’s Ruling
The PSL’s executive committee met on Monday to deliberate on the issue and, in agreement with Royal AM and its court-appointed curator, decided to remove the club from this year’s tournament. The league released a statement explaining that the decision was made in the “interest of time” to allow the competition to continue without further delay.
Royal AM’s Off-Field Struggles
The club’s problems extend beyond the domestic cup competition. The club’s owner, Shauwn Mkhize, is embroiled in a financial crisis, with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) demanding nearly R40 million in unpaid taxes. This led to SARS placing the club under curatorship, and the club is now up for sale to recover the outstanding amount.
Uncertainty Over Royal AM’s Future
While the PSL has taken action regarding the Nedbank Cup, the fate of the KZN’s club league fixtures remains unclear. The club has not played a Betway Premiership match since December after its games were suspended. The club challenged the decision in court, which contributed to delays in the PSL’s announcement on their Nedbank Cup status.
Also read: End of the Road? Royal AM Faces Sale as Financial Woes Deepen
As the situation continues to unfold, PSL is yet to address whether Mamkhize’s club will be able to resume their league campaign or if further sanctions await them. For now, the focus shifts back to the competition, with the last 16 fixtures set to proceed without the embattled club.
