How do we lodge a protest about a match?
Rule- South Africa
- PSL
- NSL Handbook
- Betway Premiership
- Motsepe Foundation Championship
- Team sheets
- Senior
- 2026/27
- Team managers
Under NSL Handbook Rule 51, a protest cannot be about a referee's or assistant referee's decision during the match: those decisions are final.
At the match:
- Ineligible player: give a written objection, with reasons, to the referee and the opposing captain, in the presence of an assistant referee, at least 30 minutes before kick-off.
- Any other breach of the Handbook: make the protest to the referee and the opposing captain, in the presence of an assistant referee, before the final whistle, stating the reasons.
After the match:
- Lodge a detailed written protest with the League within 24 hours (not counting match day, weekends or public holidays), with a fee of R20,000 plus VAT.
- It must give the facts and the Article or Rule allegedly broken.
- If you protest at the match but don't follow up in writing, the club is automatically fined R20,000.
- If you withdraw after the hearing starts, the fee is forfeited.
The protesting club must prove its case before the Disciplinary Committee. Either party, or the League, may appeal to the SAFA Appeal Board.
Added 21 Oct 2026