Staff Reporter
An arbitrator has dismissed the case between the expelled Namibia Premier League (NPL) and Namibia Football Association (NFA).
The NPL Executive Committee in a press release stated that the NPL has noted the decision issued by the Sole Arbitrator, Professor Luingi Famagali, in particular where he affirms that the NPL’s suspension lapsed when the Namibia Football Association (NFA) failed to submit the suspension of the NPL at the 15th Extraordinary Congress of 09 November 2019, resulting in the conclusion that the NPL’s membership rights were restored and that it had the full right to be invited, participate and to attend the 28th Ordinary Congress of 22 February 2020.
This has always been the basis upon which the NPL approached the CAS (16 March 2020) and the NPL is pleased that its legal position has been vindicated.
The CAS arbitral award was forwarded to counsel for advice on possible appeal to the Swiss Court’s with respect to the finding that any declaratory relief is ‘academic’. Pending that, we make no further comments herein.
Notwithstanding, the NPL lost its membership rights in the NFA because of its expulsion at the 16th Extra Ordinary Congress of 18 July 2020. You will recall that this decision the NPL accepted in July 2020.
According to the statement, the decision to incorporate in terms of Section 21 of the Companies Act, Act 28 of 2004 and subsequent application for a professional license pursuant to section 26 of Namibia Sports Act 12 of 2003, to the Sports Commission of Namibia.
This application process remains pending with the Appeals Committee. A hearing of the Appeals Committee is schedule for 26 June 2021. Due communication in this regard will be issued at the appropriate time.
