Phalaborwa United expelled from SAFA competitions for two years after referee assault

Phalaborwa United have been expelled from all South African Football Association (SAFA) competitions for two years after players and supporters assaulted a referee during a Nedbank Cup qualifier in Limpopo.

The club were also fined R20,000 following a disciplinary hearing held by SAFA Limpopo on 25 and 26 September. Of that amount, R10,000 has been suspended, meaning Phalaborwa United must pay R10,000 within seven days to avoid the full fine becoming payable.

The sanctions follow the match between Vondwe XI Bullets and Phalaborwa United at the Makhado Show Ground on 19 September 2026.

The game was goalless when Vondwe were awarded a penalty in the 87th minute. The decision prompted a furious reaction from the Phalaborwa United camp and was followed by an incident involving match official Orifha Matshavha.

SAFA Limpopo found the club guilty in case number ABC2627001 of several offences under its rules. The ruling said players and spectators wearing Phalaborwa T-shirts had assaulted the referee during the match.

“The respondent (Phalaborwa United) contravened rule 24.2.12.1 and rule 24.2.12.2 and rule 24.2.12.3 and rule 24.2.12.7 in that on or about 19th September 2026, Phalaborwa United players and spectators wearing Phalaborwa t-shirts assaulted match official (Orifha Matshavha) during their game against Vondwe XI Bullets,” the ruling stated.

The club were also held responsible for the abandonment of the fixture. The judgment further recorded allegations 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 then confirmed the length of the suspension in its central sanction.

“Phalaborwa United FC is expelled from all SAFA LEAGUE COMPETITIONS for a period of two years.”

The club have not publicly responded to the decision. Phalaborwa United were contacted for comment but had not replied at the time of publication.

However, sources close to the club have confirmed that an appeal will be filed against the ruling.