In a shocking development, ABC Motsepe League side Highlands Park has been slapped with a 50-point deduction after fielding Nigerian player Franklin Ogbonna (Jersey 25) with fraudulent visa documents.
The severe sanction effectively ends the club’s promotion hopes and hands rivals Gomora United the Gauteng ABC Motsepe League title—along with a spot in the 2024/25 National Playoffs.
What Happened?
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An investigation revealed Ogbonna’s work permit and visa documents were fraudulent, making him ineligible to play.
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The points deduction (reportedly over 50 points) is one of the harshest ever handed down in South African football.
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Highlands Park’s removal from the playoff race means Gomora United will now represent Gauteng in the national promotion playoffs.
Club Reactions
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Gomora United confirmed they have been notified of their elevation to 1st place.
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Highlands Park has yet to issue an official statement but is expected to appeal.
The ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs will determine which teams earn promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship (NFD). Gomora United will now battle for a chance to enter South Africa’s second-tier league.
This scandal serves as a major warning to clubs over player eligibility checks, with the league taking a zero-tolerance stance on document fraud.