Kaizer Chiefs have secured deals for attacking stars Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman, but Cape Town Spurs refuses to let them go. The relegated club demands both players report back for training despite losing their top league status. Spurs insists the duo remains bound to their contracts even after dropping to amateur level competition. The dispute creates major headaches for Chiefs who expected to welcome their new signings immediately. Both talented attackers face an uncertain future as the clubs battle over their services.
Cape Town Spurs lost their professional league membership on July 1st, forcing all contracted players into amateur status. FIFA and South African football rules allow players to walk away when clubs cease operating as professional entities. Rule 13.1 automatically makes all SAFA competition players amateurs under these circumstances. The players believe they can legally break free from their current deals based on these regulations. Another player, Liam Bern, faces similar problems after agreeing to join AmaZulu.
League rules prevent Spurs directors from purchasing another franchise for twelve months after losing their status. Any new ownership group would have no legal claim over current players under these guidelines. The dispute resolution chamber can declare players free agents when clubs lose their league membership. Chiefs must wait for official clearance before completing either transfer. Both Velebayi and Baartman remain caught between their old club and their new destination.
Cape Town Spurs lost their professional league membership on July 1st, forcing all contracted players into amateur status. FIFA and South African football rules allow players to walk away when clubs cease operating as professional entities. Rule 13.1 automatically makes all SAFA competition players amateurs under these circumstances. The players believe they can legally break free from their current deals based on these regulations. Another player, Liam Bern, faces similar problems after agreeing to join AmaZulu.
League rules prevent Spurs directors from purchasing another franchise for twelve months after losing their status. Any new ownership group would have no legal claim over current players under these guidelines. The dispute resolution chamber can declare players free agents when clubs lose their league membership. Chiefs must wait for official clearance before completing either transfer. Both Velebayi and Baartman remain caught between their old club and their new destination.
