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Cape Town - The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has refused to allow Ajax Cape Town to play English giants Liverpool later this month, reports the EWN website.
The two teams were due to meet at Cape Town Stadium on May 21, but the PSL on Tuesday said Ajax cannot play as the match falls within the South African domestic season.
The Nedbank Cup final is seen as the final match of the local soccer season and takes place on May 25.
The website further reports that Liverpool will still play at the Cape Town Stadium on May 21, with an alternative opponent yet to be announced.
The City of Cape Town's Mayoral Committee member for Tourism, Events & Marketing, Grant Pascoe, said he was disappointed with the PSL's decision.
"It's deeply unfortunate that the PSL does not want Ajax to play. I think there's a bigger picture here and the decision will definitely damage the image of Cape Town," said Pascoe.
Ajax will play their last PSL game on May 18 and are not participating in the Nedbank Cup final.
However, the PSL feels the match will steal the limelight from the local competitions.
“The club (Ajax) asked for permission to play a match. We don’t allow international friendlies while the season is still on because it competes with our own events and our own sponsors,” PSL chairperson Derek Blanckensee said.
“All factors are considered, but the league operates under a set of rules and the clubs are all aware of it.”
HAVE YOUR SAY: Should the PSL have allowed Ajax to face Liverpool, considering that by May 21 all their regular season matches will be completed? Send your thoughts to Sport24.
The two teams were due to meet at Cape Town Stadium on May 21, but the PSL on Tuesday said Ajax cannot play as the match falls within the South African domestic season.
The Nedbank Cup final is seen as the final match of the local soccer season and takes place on May 25.
The website further reports that Liverpool will still play at the Cape Town Stadium on May 21, with an alternative opponent yet to be announced.
The City of Cape Town's Mayoral Committee member for Tourism, Events & Marketing, Grant Pascoe, said he was disappointed with the PSL's decision.
"It's deeply unfortunate that the PSL does not want Ajax to play. I think there's a bigger picture here and the decision will definitely damage the image of Cape Town," said Pascoe.
Ajax will play their last PSL game on May 18 and are not participating in the Nedbank Cup final.
However, the PSL feels the match will steal the limelight from the local competitions.
“The club (Ajax) asked for permission to play a match. We don’t allow international friendlies while the season is still on because it competes with our own events and our own sponsors,” PSL chairperson Derek Blanckensee said.
“All factors are considered, but the league operates under a set of rules and the clubs are all aware of it.”
HAVE YOUR SAY: Should the PSL have allowed Ajax to face Liverpool, considering that by May 21 all their regular season matches will be completed? Send your thoughts to Sport24.
