Former PSL side relegated after massive point deduction for fraudulent player

Former PSL side Highlands Park has been relegated from the ABC Motsepe League to the SAFA Ekurhuleni Regional League after a severe 62-point deduction.

Highlands Park, originally crowned champions of the Gauteng ABC Motsepe League, have been stripped of their title and relegated after being found guilty of fielding Nigerian forward Franklin Ogbonna, who used fraudulent visa documents.

The heart of the controversy lies with 25-year-old Franklin Ogbonna, who was discovered to have used fraudulent study and general work visas while playing for Highlands Park in the ABC Motsepe League.

According to the South African Football Association (SAFA) competition rules, foreign players are only eligible for registration if they hold a valid study visa.

The team that once played in the South African Premier Division had impressively clinched the SAFA Gauteng ABC Motsepe League title, amassing 82 points from 34 matches and finishing six points clear of second-placed Gomora United.

However, the 62-point penalty, directly linked to the matches Ogbonna played, slashes their total to a mere 20 points. This puts them below even Oppo FC, the team that finished last with 27 points, effectively confirming Highlands Park’s relegation.

As a direct consequence of this ruling, Gomora United is now promoted to first place. With their 74 points, they will represent Gauteng in the upcoming 2024/25 ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs.

The ruling states: “Highlands Park Football Club is to forfeit all the soccer matches wherein Mr Chigaeemezu Franklin Ogbonna participated in violation of the provisions of Rule 11.1 and Rule 12.5 of the SAFA Competitions Uniform Rules during the ABC Motsepe league, Gauteng Province in the soccer season 2024/2025.”

The verdict also clarifies that the forfeited points will not be awarded to any other team involved in those matches.

The 28-year-old Ogbonna has a history in South African football, including two stints with Jomo Cosmos (July 2016 and 2019). He also played for Richards Bay in 2021 and Hungry Lion before joining Highlands Park.