Leopard's boss fined for bringing PSL into disrepute

During his recent appearance before the PSL’s disciplinary committee, the managing director of Black Leopards Football Club, Mr David Thidiela, was found guilty of bringing the league into disrepute. The case is related to an incident that took place shortly after the Absa Cup match between Black Leopards and Kaizer Chiefs that was played at the FNB Stadium about two months ago.

Black Leopards narrowly lost the match 0-1. Shortly after the final whistle, Thidiela rushed to the nearby Booysen Police Station where he opened a case of corruption. In the statement that he gave to the police, Thidiela was alleging that he had seen a questionable move before the game.

According to the statement, Thidiela allegedly saw a Chiefs official going into the referee’s dressing room. That made him believe that the results for the match were cooked. Two days after the in-cident, Thidiela went to the very same police station and withdrew the case.

It was, however, too late as the matter had already reached the PSL. According to the PSL prosecutor, Mr Zola Majavu, Mr Thidiela pleaded guilty to the charge from the onset. He was warned and ordered to pay the costs for the disciplinary committee session.

When asked as to how much was involved in the session for the committee, Majavu said that the information was strictly confidential. Thidiela said that he regarded that as part of history but he reiterated that he would not stand aside and look on when acts of corruption were prevalent in his business, football.