Royal AM will enter its second consecutive season without the ability to register new players following a delay in their appeal to lift a FIFA-imposed transfer ban.
According to SABC Sport, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has rescheduled the hearing of Royal AM’s appeal to October 11. The club is seeking to overturn a ban related to unpaid wages to former players Samir Nurkovic and Ricardo Nascimento.
The PSL outfit, owned by businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize, has refused to pay the R12-million settlement to Nurkovic, a stance that has led to the transfer embargo.
Lawyer Leruma Thobejane previously stated that CAS was likely to rule in Royal AM’s favor on September 15. However, this prediction was disputed by Nurkovic’s legal representative.
Davor Lazic, Nurkovic’s lawyer, warned that the case could potentially drag on for another year. His prediction has proven accurate with the October 11 ruling date.
The delay means Royal AM coach John Maduka will have to contend with a limited squad for the upcoming season, as several players have left the club.
The ban also affects the club’s youth academy, leading to a shortage of players for the DStv Diski Challenge.