PSL Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza has dismissed suggestions that some teams in the PSL have been unfairly denied sponsorships from betting companies, and also offered clarity on the case of Moroka Swallows.
The PSL has come under some criticism from the general public over allegedly denying teams like Swallows sponsors by betting companies, while Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have partnered up with a betting company.
The Dube Birds' potential sponsorship by Goldrush was reportedly shot down by the League's governing body, plunging the Dobsonville team into further financial ruin.
READ | BREAKING: Khoza unveils new R900 million League sponsor
Cape Town City, meanwhile, twice landed in how water over sponsorship deals; first for teaming up with betting company SportPesa in 2017 and later with FNB without getting approval from the PSL.
However, since then, teams like Golden Arrows and Stellenbosch FC have also joined the fray, being sponsored by betting companies.
Speaking on Wednesday at the launch of the Betway Premiership - the PSL's new topflight division sponsor – Khoza explained that the sponsorship deals that had been denied had failed to comply with the League's rules.
"This country, we are a country of grievances and we don't tell the truth," said the 'Iron Duke'.
"We've got teams like Kaizer Chiefs, Golden Arrows, Stellenbosch and Orlando Pirates, who are sponsored by betting companies.
"Football is an industry of rules. If you follow the rules and comply with the rules, we all agreed the SportPesa issue was a very unfortunate experience. That is history now.
"We did not frown on anybody. I had several meetings with Hollywoodbets, several meetings. I had meetings with the sponsors that wanted to sponsor Swallows.
"In fact, when I spoke to Hollywoodbets, four people came to see me about the same company, the rest is history.
"So, we don't chase away anybody. Swallows, I think you know, Mr. [David] Mogashoa wrote a letter of apology in the media. He told the truth, that they did not comply. So, we are not frowning on anybody, we do things the right way.
ALSO READ | Betway arrival coincides with new kid on the block
"Here, as the Chairman of the League, it is our duty to assist our clubs to be sponsored. The grant is not an obligation of the League, it's not a must-have. You get the money if and when it is available, but we make sure that it is always available.
"We have understood why it was important for us to create a grant for the teams, so we cannot be the people that deny teams access to resources because this league is becoming more competitive by the day.
"That's why any help that the club want, we give that support," explains Khoza.
Despite the uncertainty that has surrounded the commencement of the upcoming season, Khoza assured all and sundry that the PSL season would begin on 3 August with the MTN8.