FNB Stadium chief rejects dressing-room rumour over MTN8 final venue

Stadium Management South Africa chief executive officer and managing director Bertie Grobbelaar has dismissed claims that Kaizer Chiefs blocked Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates from using their dressing rooms at FNB Stadium, leading to the venue being overlooked for the 2026 MTN8 Cup final.

The Premier Soccer League has instead selected Moses Mabhida Stadium to host the final between African champions Sundowns and current league champions Pirates.

The decision prompted speculation about why FNB Stadium was not chosen, with a rumour circulating in football circles that Chiefs had refused to allow their rivals access to dressing rooms marked in the club’s colours.

Grobbelaar rejected that explanation and said the issue had never been raised during discussions between Stadium Management South Africa and the PSL.

“The PSL asked us to present the cost estimate, and we were asked to present a letter stating that the venue was available; we did that, and I never heard from the PSL again,” Grobbelaar told KICKOFF.

He said FNB Stadium had completed the requests made by the league, including confirming its availability and providing details of the venue rental agreement.

“So, there are two things here: to present a letter stating that our venue was available, and our venue rental agreement. We presented it. I had a discussion with the PSL CEO, and they obviously selected another venue,” he said.

The final will renew the rivalry between Sundowns and Pirates in Durban, but Grobbelaar insisted the decision not to use FNB Stadium was unrelated to the facilities available to the competing clubs.

“The story of the dressing rooms was, first of all, never discussed with me. It was never raised,” he said.

“Secondly, right next to the Kaizer Chiefs dressing room, there’s a brand-new dressing room. So really, the dressing room story is a lot of bullst. It was never even raised in the discussions with me. Not even by the PSL or either of the two clubs.”

Grobbelaar’s comments provide Stadium Management South Africa’s explanation of the negotiations after the PSL confirmed Moses Mabhida Stadium as the venue for the 2026 MTN8 Cup final.

The PSL’s choice left FNB Stadium out of the running despite Stadium Management South Africa submitting the requested cost estimate and written confirmation that the ground was available.