Goverment gives go-ahead for PSL to continue behind closed doors

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The Premier Soccer League could be set to resume action behind closed doors after South African sports minister Nathi Mthethwa said that PSL action is allowed to resume but with no fans.

Despite the minister’s announcement, an official decision still rests with the board of governors, who are set to have an extraordinary meeting on Thursday, 19 March. This means the decision to postpone midweek matches still stands, according to PSL general manager Lux September.

Safa and PSL heads Danny Jordaan and Irvin Khoza, along with other major sports federations, were part of a meeting with Mthethwa on Tuesday after President Cyril Ramaphosa restricted the number of people who could meet in public to resolve the challenges coronavirus has posed for football in the country.

The league on Monday announced the suspension of all matches for this week in compliance with the declaration of a national disaster, but a final decision will now be made at the PSL BOG meeting on Thursday.

‘It is not in two weeks or a week, it is now. We have said that, firstly we need the chairman and others in the leadership of sport to raise their voices against this pandemic,’ said Mthethwa.

‘Therefore, they will continue with their matches, which will be without spectators, and they will finish the season. The most important thing for us, as they do that, is they will be spreading the message to fight against this pandemic.

‘So, there is no confusion. Even if we are going to reach a point where there are no matches, that will be gradually phased in. But as we speak, they can have their match tomorrow [Wednesday], with no spectators.’