How do I protest about an opposition player I think is ineligible?
Rule- South Africa
- SAFA
- SAFA Junior Football League
- U13
- U15
- SAFA Uniform Rules
- IFAB Laws of the Game
- 2026
- Coaches
Under the SAFA Competitions Uniform Rules (Rule 18):
- Before kick-off, object in writing on the team sheet to the player (unregistered, suspended, banned, or fraudulently or improperly registered), giving your reasons.
- Hand the objection to the referee in the presence of the senior assistant referee. It must be countersigned by the opposing captain and endorsed in the referee's or match commissioner's report.
- Lodge a written protest with the protest fee within 48 hours after the match (working days only: weekends and public holidays don't count).
- The protest must set out the full facts and the rule allegedly broken.
Fee: R5 000 for a protest in the SAFA Junior Football Leagues.
Other points:
- Other breaches must be raised in writing with the referee in the same way, immediately before kick-off or on the field before the final whistle.
- You can't protest against the referee's decisions on the field of play: they are final.
- The protest goes to the Disciplinary Committee, and you prepare and present your own case. A protest that doesn't follow these steps is dismissed.
- If you object to a player, the other team may replace that player on its team sheet before kick-off.
Added 22 Oct 2026