BFL rebuffs GU's plea on Galaxy's red card
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 | 340 Views |
Red-carded: Jwaneng Galaxy goalkeeper, James receiving a red card.PIC:PHATSIMO KAPENG
The Galaxy player was shown a red card for handling the ball outside the box during a league match against BDF XI on Sunday. The defending champions won the tie 3-2 but Galaxy have launched an appeal with the BFL challenging the red card decision. But in a twist, it was GU that wrote to the BFL, urging the league authority to dismiss Galaxy's appeal. GU general manager (GM), Thapelo Mothusi in a letter written on Tuesday, said his club was concerned with Galaxy's appeal. GU said the complaint was unlawful by FIFA laws and, therefore, should not be entertained. “As GM of GU, I would like to address this matter by emphasising two key points.
The FIFA laws of the game explicitly state that a referee’s decision during a match is final and binding,” Mothusi said. “The referee’s authority extends to all match-related incidents, including disciplinary actions such as the issuance of red cards,” he said. Mothusi said FIFA's principle is vital for preserving the integrity of the game, ensuring consistency in the enforcement of rules and protecting the credibility of match officials. “Allowing appeals against referee decisions, unless there is incontrovertible evidence of a procedural breach, sets a dangerous precedent. It risks opening doors for constant challenges to match decisions undermining the efficient operation of the league and protecting the credibility of match officials,” he said.
When claims of such gravity are made, especially by a sitting Assistant Minister they cannot be brushed aside, delayed, or treated as routine political noise. Even the Ombudsman has confirmed receipt of a report from a political party and a review of these complaints is now underway. That is a necessary first step. But it is only the beginning. The seriousness of the allegations demands urgency, transparency and clarity. The public is entitled to...