The PSL remain unmoved by Royal AM’s plea to return to domestic action with the club’s fixtures remaining suspended indefinitely.
Thwihli Thwahla met with the league’s governing body on Friday to discuss their progress in being able confirm their readiness to fulfil their fixtures for the rest of the season. The PSL announced last Wednesday that all matches involving the KwaZulu-Natal club have been suspended.
Ahead of their meeting, news reaching this publication confirmed that the club would be pushing to have their Nedbank Cup last 32 match against Milford, scheduled for Monday, given the green light.
I feel for those Royal AM players, but I can't say the same about the team itself. That family made a mockery of our league.
Playing an unfit chairman.
Paying players live on TV...
The writing was always on the wall. pic.twitter.com/s8UJkWXQhB
However, according to sources, the PSL deemed Royal AM’s presentation and request not to hold much weight and the club is still required to provide further information and proof that they will be able to proceed until the end of the season.
In a series of distressing developments for Royal AM, the club's financial difficulties have intensified, leading to acute scrutiny from both the SARS and Fifa. At the centre of this turmoil is a staggering R40 million tax debt that has compelled SARS to initiate curatorship proceedings aimed at reclaiming its dues.
This legal effort has resulted in raids on the luxurious properties owned by club owner Shawn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize in Durban and the confiscation of various high-end vehicles, further spotlighting the club's precarious financial state.
However, the club's troubles are not limited to tax liabilities. Fifa have also taken notice of Royal AM’s growing list of compliance issues, notably including a transfer ban imposed due to an outstanding R15 million owed to former striker Samir Nurkovic.
Motsepe Foundation Championship#NedbankCup2025
— The NFD (@the_nfd) January 27, 2025
The fixture between Milford FC and Royal AM meant to takecplace today, Monday 27 January has been postponed until further notice. #MFCHAMPIONSHIP https://t.co/YKda6xipJp
This sanction has added another layer of complexity to the club's operations, severely restricting its ability to bolster its squad and potentially jeopardising its stability on the field.
Efforts by Royal AM to navigate these turbulent waters have been met with challenges, as non-compliance with FIFA's ruling could result in dire repercussions. The potential for point deductions looms ominously over the club, with whispers of liquidation becoming increasingly pronounced.
* Update to follow on this developing story