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Johannesburg - The SA Football Association (SAFA) dished out life bans to 15 Free State soccer officials for attempting to take the body to court, which is against FIFA regulations.
"The disciplinary committee found the following members guilty and, with immediate effect, expelled them from all football activities," SAFA said in a statement on Sunday.
SAFA maintained the officials should have approached the association directly instead of taking their grievances to court. It felt the matter could have been dealt with at its national congress on September 28.
The ruling would set a precedent for offenders, SAFA president Danny Jordaan said in a statement on Sunday.
“This ruling should send out a strong message that SAFA will not tolerate individuals who flagrantly violate Fifa statutes by taking football matters to courts," said Jordaan.
"Football has mechanisms and structures to resolve internal disputes and there is no need to refer such matters to courts."
The 15 officials were charged with misconduct, for contravening SAFA Statutes article 71.1.
The suspended members were Motlatsi Tsoaeli, Retshidisitswe Mphaphuli, Moramang Taole, Thabo Hlasa, Mmota Leballo, Moeketsi Madiehe, Thembi Fako, Tshitso Qopane, Thabo Ramanyake, Lebusa Morapeli, Ntombizanele Gojo, Thabo Mojaje, Nobelungu Thumana, Pierre Minnie and Bhadi Adoons.
