Ajax Cape Town relegated from the South African Premier League due to sanctions

Ajax Cape Town have been relegated from South Africa’s Premier League after being found guilty of fielding an ineligible player, Tendai Ndoro, on three occasions.

After a ruling by the South African Football Association (Safa), the club will automatically lose three matches 3-0 and have received a R50,000 fine for each offence.

This means that Ajax drop from 31 to 24 points in the Absa Premisership, as they lose the seven points they gained from matches against Platinum Stars, Polokwane and SuperSports United.

Due to the deduction of points, the Cape Town side finishes 16th in the 16-team South African Premier League, and are automatically relegated.

Ndorogata

Before joining Ajax, Ndoro had already featured for Orlando Pirates and Saudi Arabia side Al Faisaly this season.

According to FIFA rules, players are not allowed to compete for three different teams in the same term.

‘The Arbitrator today ruled that Ajax Cape Town were guilty of breaching SAFA and Fifa Regulations relating to their fielding of Mr. Ndoro,’ reads a statement by the Premier Soccer League.

The 33-year-old Zimbabwean star was also reprimanded, as he received a two-match suspension.

Ajax can still appeal the ruling with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Hope for the Platinum Stars

Originally, Phokeng-based side Platinum Stars finished bottom of the league with 24 points, however, the three points they gain from Ajax’s penalisation lifts them to 27.

They now have the opportunity to contest the promotion/relegation playoffs with Jomo Cosmos and Black Leopards.