Itumeleng Khune during the Kaizer Chiefs media briefing at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 4 August 2023 in Durban, South Africa.
Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images
Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana number one goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune, recently partnered with the betting company Top Bet, while also expressing his desire to continue playing professionally.
As previously reported by the Siya crew, his representatives are exploring options to offer his services to PSL clubs. However, this could be complicated by his association with a betting company, which contravenes both PSL and FIFA regulations.
READ: Trophy At Stake: Chiefs In Possible Downs Rematch…
Sources have revealed to Soccer Laduma that an individual directly or indirectly involved with a betting company is prohibited from participating in official football matches. The source explained that such involvement could potentially influence the outcome of games, violating football’s gambling and betting rules.
“They are still evaluating the situation, but according to both FIFA and PSL regulations, it appears highly unlikely for him to continue in professional football due to these betting and gambling rules. Whether he owns shares or is merely a partner in a betting company, it is considered improper for him to actively play as it compromises the integrity of the games, which goes against FIFA’s Gambling and Betting rules. Involvement of third parties in the game is strictly prohibited, and he cannot be seen flouting these rules. From this perspective, retiring may be his best option,” the source told Soccer Laduma.
READ: Chiefs New Signings Fit R50m Bill?
According to FIFA rules, a member of a betting company is prohibited from being directly or indirectly involved in football matches.
“I believe both his representatives and any club interested in signing him should first review Article 26 in the FIFA Rules to determine if it allows him to play actively. However, I doubt it is feasible given his partnership with a betting company. They should also consider what PSL rules state about betting and participation in professional football. Given his investment in the company, it seems unlikely he can play without encountering significant complications,” another source revealed.
The PSL are yet to implement clear rules on betting, which would clarify the situation regarding players and officials being involved directly or indirectly in betting or lottery activities.
Article 26 of the FIFA Code of Ethics, prohibits betting for football players:
Involvement with betting, gambling or similar activities
Those bound by the FIFA Code of Ethics, namely all officials, referees, players as well as match agents and intermediaries, are subject to the Code as follows:
- They are forbidden from participating in, either directly or indirectly, betting, gambling, lotteries or similar events or transactions related to football matches or competitions and/or any related football activities;
- They shall not have any interests, either directly or indirectly (through or in conjunction with third parties), in entities, companies, organisations, etc. that promote, broker, arrange or conduct betting, gambling, lotteries or similar events or transactions connected with football matches and competitions;
- “Interests” include gaining any possible advantage for the persons bound by the Code themselves and/or related parties.
- Soccer Laduma contacted the PSL for comment on the matter but there was no response at the time of publishing.
Soccer Laduma contacted the PSL for comment but there was no response at the time of publishing.
.