The Premier Soccer League has confirmed that 13 Stadiums including Athlone Stadium have been closed down due to the current water crisis in the Western Cape.

Cape Town City and Ajax Cape Town have been forced to play their upcoming home Absa Premiership games away from home, as the Cape Town Stadium has been booked for the Rugby Sevens World Series.

The PSL released a statement, which reads: ‘The water crisis in the Western Cape has impacted negatively on the football stadiums used by the Premier Soccer League clubs. The league has had to close down a total of 13 venues as they do not meet the minimum requirements of the PSL.

‘In addition to the water problem, certain venues are being renovated and altered and are therefore not available to the League. The Cape Town Stadium has been booked for rugby, concerts and various other activities. As a result, Athlone Stadium has been used this season by all five teams in Cape Town and this overuse has resulted in the grass dying.

‘As from 01 December 2017, the Athlone Stadium will be closed to allow for the treatment and recovery of the pitch and installation of supply pipes.

‘The League sympathises with the Cape Town clubs and is doing everything possible to assist them in these difficult times and is also negotiating with the City of Cape Town regarding the upgrading of other venues.

‘The updated fixtures with new venues will be sporadically communicated on the PSL website and social media platforms.’

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