Sponsorship controversies: Are Chiefs and Pirates above the rules?

THE DISCERNING Premier Soccer league (PSL) fan would no doubt have been struck by what appears to be double standards when it comes to how the rules seem to apply differently where the country’s two biggest clubs are concerned.

- MATSHELANE MAMABOLO

Whereas clubs such as Cape Town City and the now defunct Moroka Swallows were restricted from securing sponsorship that was seen to be in competition with the PSUs existing sponsors, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates seem to be immune.

Just recently Pirates got into a partnership with Amstel Lager despite the PSL having a competition sponsored by Carling Black Label. On Tuesday Chiefs announced their partnership with Black Label who previously partnered the two clubs via a preseason tournament and were also the Buccaneers’ sleeve sponsor as well as Chiefs’ suppliers.