All well and good to ‘Pick ‘n Play', but think about safeguarding football's integrity

IOL News

19-07-2025

Days after Supersport United CEO Stanley Matthews celebrated with coach Andre Arendse after surviving relegation in Pretoria against Golden Arrows, the Tshwane club sold its franchise. Never again will the Matsatsantsa faithful ever see their beloved team in action again.
While this practice may be tempting for investors seeking financial gain, it is essential to examine the detrimental effects it has on club identity, community connections, and the integrity of the game itself.
A growing trend in the buy-and-sell practice of local club franchises has raised deep concerns. It poses a threat to the integrity of the sport that is woven through the nation's cultural fabric. As football holds significant cultural importance for countless supporters, the ramifications of this trend are substantial, resonating far beyond the pitch.
At this time of the year, the landscape of South African football evolves, and not always for the better.
Buying and selling Premier Soccer League (PSL) football club franchises has raised concerns about the integrity and stability of the sport. It has the potential to undermine its traditional structures and values. While such transactions can bring financial investment and potentially improve a club's standing, they also introduce risks such as financial instability, and loss of local identity.
Loss of identity and community connection
Clubs represent more than just teams; they embody the dreams, histories, and cultures of their communities. However, the buying and selling of franchises can severely undermine identity and community connections.
Relocations to different cities or name changes often echo the whims of new ownership rather than the traditions that fans hold dear. For instance, when a beloved club is renamed or uprooted from its traditional home, it severs vital ties with its supporter base, alienating those who have stood by the team through thick and thin.
Historical legacies are tarnished, rivalries diluted, and the emotional investment of fans is often disregarded. Loyal supporters can find themselves disconnected, leading to dwindling attendance and support for a team which has changed beyond recognition.
Prioritising profit over sporting integrity
With the potential for rapid financial returns, the acquisition of football clubs can create an environment focused squarely on short-term profits rather than sustainable sporting success.
Critically, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) has faced scrutiny for its insufficient vetting of new owners, some questionably stable or motivated solely by financial ambition. This lack of due diligence raises concerns about the long-term viability of clubs linked to owners with a limited understanding of the football landscape.
As clubs owned by financially unstable individuals struggle to meet player payments, their on-field performance also suffers, creating a vicious cycle of instability. The focus on quick monetary gains can eclipse the essential areas of long-term development and community engagement that are vital for a club's success.
Undermining competition with franchise acquisitions
A key tenet of football worldwide is the promotion and relegation system, a mechanism designed to foster competitive balance. However, purchasing a franchise effectively circumvents this structure, allowing less meritocratic routes to higher leagues. As the integrity of sporting merit becomes threatened, clubs might abandon youth investment and strategic planning in favour of simply acquiring a position in a higher tier, distorting the competitive landscape.
Addressing the challenges ahead
To address these issues and preserve the essence of South African football, several critical steps need to be taken. Firstly, the PSL must strengthen regulations by implementing rigorous vetting procedures for potential club owners, including thorough financial checks and background assessments.
Moreover, protecting club identity should be paramount, with restrictions placed on relocations and name changes that adversely affect longstanding supporter bases.
Encouraging sustainable ownership and responsible management is equally vital to establishing a landscape that prioritises long-term success over immediate financial benefits. Enhanced fan engagement also plays a crucial role; clubs must build robust relationships with their supporters and actively include them in key decision-making processes.
By addressing these urgent issues, South African football can aspire to a more sustainable and competitive future, where clubs are cherished for their sporting achievements and their intrinsic ties to their communities.