Phalaborwa United appeal SAFA ban after referee assault allegations

Phalaborwa United have appealed against their suspension from the ABC Motsepe League after a referee was assaulted during a Nedbank Cup qualification match.

The Limpopo club lodged its challenge with the South African Football Association (SAFA) Arbitration Tribunal following disciplinary action by SAFA Limpopo.

The incident took place during Phalaborwa United’s match against Vondwe XI Bullets at the Makhado Show Ground in September. The club was subsequently banned from all SAFA League competitions after a disciplinary hearing held on 25 and 26 September.

Phalaborwa United confirmed the appeal in a statement and called on supporters to remain patient while the process continues.

“We wish to inform our supporters and the entire Phalaborwa United family that the club has lodged an appeal following its suspension from the ABC Motsepe League,” the club said.

“We urge everyone to remain calm, avoid rumors, and rely only on official communication from the club committee.”

SAFA Limpopo’s ruling said Phalaborwa United had breached several competition regulations during the match on 19 September 2026.

“The respondent (Phalaborwa United) contravened rule24.2.12.1, rule24.2.12.2, rule24.2.12.3and rule24.2.12.7in that on or about 19th September 2026, Phalaborwa United players and spectators wearing Phalaborwa t-shirts assaulted a match official during their game against Vondwe XI Bullets,” SAFA Limpopo said.

The ruling also accused the club of conduct that led to the match being abandoned. It alleged that supporters threw missiles, bottles, cans and other objects towards the referee.

“Furthermore, Phalaborwa FC is accused of causing the abandonment of a match, and it is also alleged that its supporters have thrown missiles, bottles, cans, and other objects towards the referee, and such constitutes acts of misconduct/offenses as stipulated by SAFA Competition Uniform rules,” the ruling added.

Despite confirming that the appeal has been submitted, Phalaborwa United do not yet know when the case will be heard.

Soccer Laduma has reported that no date has been set for the appeal before the SAFA Arbitration Tribunal.

The outcome will determine whether the club’s suspension from SAFA League competitions remains in place.