The legal battle between the Rygate Local Football Association and one of its member clubs, De Goods Let’s Play Enterprises (DPLE), has entered a critical new phase after the matter was postponed by agreement between the parties, while leaving the door wide open for a potentially expedited hearing.
According to a court order seen by No Bones with Jones, the matter has been postponed for hearing on the opposed motion roll on a date still to be agreed upon by the parties.
However, the postponement should not be mistaken for a delay in the fight itself.
In a significant development, both the Applicants and the First Respondent have been granted leave to approach the Judge President for an early allocation on an expedited basis, a move that could fast-track what has become one of the most closely watched football governance disputes in local football.
If an expedited hearing is granted, the Applicants will be required to file a Notice of Set Down on Court Online and serve it on the Respondents within five days of confirmation of the hearing date.
The court order further directs the First Respondent to file its Answering Affidavit by 11 November 2026, while the Applicants must submit any Replying Affidavit by 25 November 2026.
The issue of costs has been reserved for determination at a later stage.
While no final ruling emerged from Thursday’s proceedings, the order effectively sets the stage for the next round of litigation. Both sides now face firm deadlines to place their respective versions before the court, while retaining the option of seeking an urgent hearing should the Judge President deem the matter sufficiently pressing.
For Rygate LFA and DPLE, the courtroom battle is therefore not on hold, but rather entering a decisive phase.
With affidavits set to be exchanged over the coming weeks and the possibility of an expedited hearing looming, a dispute that has already gripped local football circles appears destined for an even more explosive next chapter.
