Posted in News on Aug 19, 2009.
Kaizer Chiefs pleaded guilty to (1) spectator misbehavior, (2) malicious damage to property and (3) bringing the league in to disrepute.
Chiefs were fined R500 000 of which R150 000 is suspended for 12 months and on condition that the Chiefs is not found guilty of a similar offence during the period of suspension.
Chiefs were ordered to pay an effective R350 000 within seven days of the verdict, barring any appeal, in which case the sanction will be suspended until the finalisation thereof.
The R350 000 is to be applied to a compulsory educational programme commissioned by Chiefs and approved by the PSL’s General Manager within seven days from the date of the verdict.
The programme, with clear timelines and deliverables should include, but not be limited to the following:
A 30 second television advert addressed by Kaizer Chiefs Chairperson condemning the spectator misbehavior to be shown on both the SuperSport and SABC channels prime time slots for a period of one month from the date of this order.
Radio adverts played from all the SABC radio stations for a period of one month from the date of this order and these adverts to be played during prime time slots.
One weekly advert in either a daily or weekly newspaper - condemning the spectator misconduct - with national reach for a period of one month.
Kaizer Chiefs were also ordered to issue a written apology to the PSL and its sponsors. This apology is to be received by the PSL within seven working days from the date of this order, failing which, the suspended R150 000 will also become payable.
Kaizer Chiefs have to issue a statement condemning the conduct of the spectators. This statement is to remain on the club’s official website for one month.
Without making any adverse finding against the PSL, which is not before this DC as an accused party, and taking cognisance of the fact that this problem of spectator misbehavior is a national problem, the PSL is ordered to contribute R150 000 to an educational programme which should include, but not be limited to an address by the PSL Chairman condemning the unsporting behavior and educating the spectators about acceptable behavior. This address is to be shown on SuperSport and SABC.
The DC took particular note of the fact that this was a category ‘A’ match meaning the PSL bore the overall responsibility for security, hence the directive that it should also contribute towards this educational programme.
Kaizer Chiefs were also ordered to pay the costs of the DC hearing which is +- R21 000.
