The ongoing issue of Premier Soccer League (PSL) clubs struggling to pay players their salaries has once again come to the forefront, with Royal AM becoming the latest club to face criticism over delayed payments. This recurring problem has raised serious concerns about financial management and the overall stability of the PSL. In light of this, a prominent sports lawyer has come forward with a set of proposed solutions to help resolve the issue and ensure that players are paid on time.
Royal AM, which has experienced recent financial difficulties, joins a growing list of PSL clubs that have faced similar allegations over the years. This ongoing issue has sparked a broader conversation about the need for stronger regulatory frameworks to prevent clubs from falling into financial disarray and, most importantly, to safeguard the welfare of the players who depend on their salaries for their livelihoods.
Sports lawyer, Mpho Moloi, an expert in sports law and governance, has suggested several potential solutions that the National Soccer League (NSL) could implement to address the salary payment problem. According to Moloi, the issue is rooted in the lack of proper financial oversight and accountability, as well as insufficient protection for players who face late or non-payment of wages.
“The problem of delayed or unpaid salaries has been a recurring issue in the PSL for years,” Moloi said in an interview. “While the reasons vary from one club to another, there is a clear need for stricter enforcement of financial regulations and a more robust system of accountability.”
Moloiβs first recommendation is the implementation of a financial transparency framework that would require all PSL clubs to submit detailed, audited financial reports to the league and the South African Football Association (SAFA) on a regular basis. These reports would be publicly available to provide transparency to players, staff, and the general public about the financial health of each club. Moloi believes that regular audits would help identify potential financial problems early on, before they escalate into serious issues like unpaid salaries.
“Clubs need to be more transparent about their finances. If there is clear and accessible financial reporting, it will be harder for clubs to hide financial problems, and players will be better informed about the stability of the club they work for,” Moloi explained.
The lawyer also suggested the establishment of a player protection fund, similar to a trust fund, which would be set up by the NSL in collaboration with SAFA. This fund would be designed to help cover player salaries in the event that a club fails to make its payments. The fund would act as a safety net for players who have contractual agreements with clubs that are struggling financially. According to Moloi, such a fund would ensure that players are not left in a vulnerable position if their clubs face financial difficulties.
“Player welfare should be a priority, and this fund would give players some assurance that, in the event of salary delays or non-payment, they will still receive their wages,” Moloi said.
Another recommendation from Moloi is the creation of a salary cap system to prevent clubs from over-committing financially. The salary cap would limit the amount a club could spend on player wages relative to its revenue. This would encourage clubs to operate within their means and prevent them from over-spending, which often leads to financial strain.
Moloi also highlighted the need for tighter governance and stricter penalties for clubs that fail to meet their financial obligations. He suggested that clubs found guilty of failing to pay players’ salaries on time should face severe sanctions, such as points deductions or even temporary suspensions from league competitions. This would not only create a deterrent for clubs but also send a message that the PSL will not tolerate financial mismanagement that affects playersβ livelihoods.
“There needs to be a system in place where the NSL takes swift action against clubs that fail to pay their players. Financial mismanagement shouldnβt be taken lightly, and the league needs to show that itβs committed to upholding the rights of players,” Moloi said.
In addition to these proposals, Moloi also emphasized the importance of player contracts and ensuring that players have legally binding agreements in place that protect them in the event of financial disputes. Many players in the PSL are often not fully aware of their rights, which can make it difficult for them to take action when their salaries are delayed or unpaid. Moloi suggested that the NSL work with the South African Players’ Union (SAPU) to educate players about their rights and ensure that all contracts are legally sound and enforceable.
As the issue of unpaid salaries continues to affect the PSL, Moloiβs proposals offer a roadmap for how the league can address the financial challenges that many clubs are facing. If implemented, these measures could help protect players from the uncertainty and stress that comes with not receiving their wages on time, while also promoting financial stability and transparency within the PSL.
While it remains to be seen whether the NSL will take these suggestions into account, the ongoing crisis serves as a wake-up call for the league to take a more proactive approach in addressing financial issues at its member clubs. Players and their welfare must remain at the forefront of any discussions about the future of South African football, and itβs clear that stronger regulation and oversight are needed to prevent further financial mismanagement in the PSL.