In an interesting twist to the Sundowns - Chiefs saga regarding the Fabian McCarthy registration protest, the Pretoria side made an offer to Kaizer Chiefs to reach a settlement whereby Sundowns withdrew the protest.

The arbitration "Deed of Settlement" statement reads like this:

1. "In the general interests of football in South Africa, and those who are involved in its affairs as administrators, proprietors of football clubs, their managers, coaches and players and, mostly importantly, their supporters and so as to promote solidarity, and thus enhance the bid of the SOUTH AFRICAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION ("SAFA") to host World Cup Soccer Tournament in South Africa in the year 2010, SUNDOWNS FOOTBALL CLUB ("Sundowns") hereby withdraw its protest of the 11 December 2002 and the 11th January 2003, relating to the fielding in play of Mr. Fabian McCarthy ("McCarthy") by KAIZER CHIEFS FOOTBALL CLUB ("Kaizer Chiefs").

2. Given what is stated in paragraph 1 hereof, Sundowns, SAFA and the NATIONAL SOCCER LEAGUE ("NSL") acknowledge that the NSL's registration of McCarthy on the 30th October 2002 to play for Kaizer Chiefs was proper.

Putco Mafani, Amakhosi spokesperson said: "Our management and administration style has always been based purely on the law and we were always confident we were on the right path with the way in which Fabian was registered, but we are delighted that this whole thing is now over."

McCarthy, the former South African U-23 has missed the last 4 games on the premiership calendar due to the protest. "Obviously it nearly had an effect on the player but Fabian has a strong mind and a big heart. He has put it all behind him now and is looking forward to playing his football with the club he loves most. Soon he will be seen on the field again in his famous Gold and Beautiful colors," said Mafani.

Meanwhile, McCarthy has been training with the club and should be ready for any task presented to him, including off-season games.