What happens if the floodlights fail or a match is abandoned?
Rule- South Africa
- PSL
- Betway Premiership
- NSL Handbook
- Professional football
- Senior
- 2026/27
- Fans
It depends on why the match was abandoned (NSL Handbook Rule 14):
Floodlight failure, or safety and security reasons:
- the remaining minutes are played, not the whole match
- the clubs agree a date, time and venue within 48 hours of the abandoned match, subject to League approval; if they can't agree, the League decides
- the resumed match is a continuation: the two parts count as one match, finished only at the final whistle
- a home club that failed to provide adequate lighting or security pays all affected parties' costs and is charged with misconduct
Weather, the state of the pitch or any other reason:
- the League sets a new date and the match is replayed
- all records of the abandoned match are wiped, except red cards, which stand
- the League covers reasonable costs for a weather replay; for other reasons the Disciplinary Committee can order a club to pay
Night matches need an average of at least 600 lux, with no point below 500 lux, from 90 minutes before kick-off.
Updated 22 Oct 2026