Spurs Take Baartman Contract Fight to SAFA

Cape Town Spurs have escalated their battle over Luke Baartman, lodging an appeal with the South African Football Association (SAFA) after the Premier Soccer League’s Dispute Resolution Chamber declared him a free agent.

The ruling, based on Rule 43.1.4 of the National Soccer League Handbook, followed the Urban Warriors’ relegation from the Motsepe Foundation Championship, which saw them lose professional status.

Kaizer Chiefs have since unveiled the 19-year-old forward, along with fellow Spurs youngster Asanele Velebayi, in front of thousands of supporters at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, Gauteng, earlier this week.

The Cape Town-based club, however, insist Baartman remains under contract and have paid for an arbitrator to review the case. Club chief executive Alexi Efstathiou confirmed the next step, saying: “Yes, [the SAFA appeal] is true, we just have to wait for a date regarding the hearing.”

Spurs are simultaneously challenging Velebayi’s release, signalling a prolonged legal tussle over the fate of their emerging talent. Until the appeals are concluded, Baartman and Velebayi will have to wait to make their competitive debuts for Chiefs.

Image Credit: Source