Royal AM’s Urgent Court Bid Dismissed — Timing and Process Matter
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Royal AM Football Club (Pty) Ltd v National Soccer League and Others (2025/054266)
Royal AM Football Club tried to stop the promotion of the University of Pretoria to the Premier Soccer League (PSL), arguing that the league didn’t properly resolve a dispute involving the playoff matches. Royal AM wanted the High Court to urgently stop the league from making final decisions while the matter was still unresolved.
The Facts of the Case
After a playoff match between Royal AM and the University of Pretoria ended in a 1–1 draw, Royal AM lodged a complaint with the PSL, arguing that the match was irregular and shouldn’t count.
The PSL's Dispute Resolution Committee ruled against Royal AM.
Royal AM tried to take the matter further by filing for arbitration, but then shifted strategy and brought an urgent application in the High Court to stop the league from proceeding with the promotion.
By the time Royal AM’s application was heard, the PSL had already decided to promote the University of Pretoria.
The Judgment
The High Court dismissed the application on the grounds that it was not urgent anymore — the decision Royal AM wanted to prevent had already been made.
The court also found that Royal AM had not followed the proper procedures, particularly because the issue was still under arbitration and should have stayed within the sports dispute process.
Royal AM was criticised for delays and for trying to bypass the agreed dispute resolution mechanisms under PSL rules.
Impact for Other Stakeholders
This case reinforces two key legal lessons:
Urgency must be real and immediate — you can’t ask for urgent court relief when the event you’re trying to stop has already happened.
Follow the right process — when you’ve agreed to arbitration or internal dispute channels (as is common in sports, tax, and many commercial contracts), courts expect you to respect that route.
Key Takeaway
Trying to short-circuit agreed dispute processes, especially under pressure can backfire. Courts won’t rescue you if you delay or jump the gun. Whether you’re a business, taxpayer, or sports club, timing and process matter.
