One of the most notable suggestions deriving from the Goalgate scandal inquiry is for representations to be made to SAFA National “to broaden the Uniform Competition Rules to include similar consequences for those who fail to appear before a commission of inquiry as are named in the case of a failure before a disciplinary committee.”
This, after Two For Joy, one of the teams that were summoned, failed to appear without any explanation.
Only three of the four parties (clubs) involved pitched up, with West Coast FC, Diadora FC and Electric City – giving their testimony for their alleged respective roles in this scandal.
This is where Two for Joy saw a loophole and deliberately and completely undermined the process.
Needless to say, their version of events is crucial for the sake of justice and fairness.
This follows after the region released a statement on Monday evening with the findings that “West Coast FC and Electric City deliberately each lost the second half of their respective matches and/or intentionally underperformed in the second half,” as per Safa CT’s statement.
Mind you, the region has since sent a second statement as the first one had the Laws all mixed up – the first statement referred to Law 6 and it should actually be Law 5.
Anyway, there are many unanswered questions about all the role players implicated. The obvious question is also where the competition commission was when this played out? Why did the referee not intervene as per Law 5 and Law 12 (respect of Law 5 of the Laws of the Game which empower the match Referee to yellow card any player for unsporting conduct in terms of “showing a disrespect for the game.”) The terms of reference should change for the commission to have powers to subpoena parties or to suspend.
One thing is quite clear and that is that nothing will happen to the promotion winners Diadora FC and Clover FC. Just imagine the egg on Safa CT’s face should Diadora for whatever reason be implicated?
No Bones with Jones understands that the investigating team made a recommendation to the Disciplinary Committee that West Coast City’s coach Pere Ariweriyai, should also in his individual capacity be charged with the same /similar offences as the club.
That he should also be charged with an act of misconduct in that he facilitated or assisted persons committing a breach of Uniform Competition Rule 24.2.12 by sending his team captain out to two gentlemen to receive such an offer of a reward or bribe and/or by conveying such an offer to the team and allowing them to decide on it.
Ariweriyai stated during the investigation that he instructed his players to give the game to the opposition. To let the opposition score goals freely as he felt that there was cheating and bribery occurring, on the next field and he felt that Two for Joy deserved to top the group.
Safa CT’s statements read as follows.
A specially convened SAFA Cape Town Commission of Enquiry, assisted by Mr Sean Lea, has concluded that West Coast FC and Electric City be charged by SAFA Cape Town for alleged match-fixing in that they deliberately each lost the second half of their respective matches and/or intentionally underperformed in the second half.
According to the Resource Guide on Good Practices in the Investigation of Match-in Fixing of 2016, published by the International Centre For Sports and Crime (ICSS) in conjunction with UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs And Crime) specific incidents that fall within this definition of match-fixing inter alia include: “The deliberate loss of a match or a phase of a match for any reason / The deliberate underperformance by a competitor or deliberate improper withdrawal before the conclusion of a match (also referred to as tanking).”
It has also been recommended that an alternate charge being in each case, an act of misconduct, in that the club/team committed numerous acts of unsporting conduct by deliberately showing a high degree of disrespect for the game during such period. Further charges against West Coast, for failing to immediately report any act of misconduct, and their coach, Pere Ariweriyai, for the same charges as the club including those of alleged match-fixing, have also been recommended.
The report submitted by the mandated Commission of Enquiry also pointed out that Match Officials can use their discretion in respect of Law 6 of the Laws of the Game which empower the match Referee to yellow card any player for unsporting conduct in terms of “showing a disrespect for the game”.
The panel suggests further that an alternate action for the Match Officials could be to stop the match, address both teams – specifically the team deliberately not playing – and if it continues to abandon the match and submit an official report.
But the commission has also made recommendations to SAFA Cape Town insofar as competition rules are concerned. In the 10 page summary report it is suggested that the Region find an “alternative manner to goal difference to determine the winner of a group after a tie on points.”
It also suggests for representations to be made to SAFA National “to broaden the Uniform Competition Rules to include similar consequences for those who fail to appear before a commission of enquiry as are named in the case of a failure before a disciplinary committee.”
The report has, however, concluded that no evidence points to Diadora FC committing “any unlawful act or act of misconduct that resulted in the 35 – 1 score line in their match.”
Despite being summonsed, Two for Joy FC, the team captain, and members Sandile Nongauza, Lwandile Solantsi, Phumzile Sophazi, Vuyani Nkwelo and Anele Mnyandi failed to attend or submit any reason for their failure.The SAFA Cape Town Regional Executive Committee (REC) has resolved to unanimously adopt the report submitted by The Commission of Enquiry.
Further information on the matter and pending disciplinary case is deemed Sub judice and thus may not be made public to protect the integrity of the disciplinary process and those involved; whether prosecuting or defending the charges.
We trust the football fraternity will respect the process and allow the matter to unfold via the correct channels.
