The Football Union of South Africa (FUSA) has clarified the reasons why Royal AM players did not receive their salaries for December 2024.
According to FUSA, Royal AM players have not been attending training since the December holidays.
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"Eish, the boys are upset. They have no idea what is happening since they are now receiving their salaries from SARS," said FUSA secretary Taelo Motloung in an interview with this publication.
"Remember that the Royal AM accounts have been attached, which is why salaries for November were only paid in the second week of December.
"Currently, the Royal AM players are still waiting for their December salaries, and as a result, they have been unable to come to training since December 29, hoping that SARS will pay them again.
"These situations should not occur in our football, it undermines the integrity of our league.
"Our league is regarded highly around the world, so when such issues arise, it reflects poorly on us. It damages the image of South African football.
"Clubs must comply with their obligations. Players are not putting clubs under pressure by demanding excessive salaries during contract negotiations. In fact, we are often not paid what we should be.
"If a player requests a salary of R1 million, the club should just say, 'No, I can't afford it, so I won't have you in my team'.
"I can't agree to a salary of R50 000 in my contract, and then you as a club fail to uphold your side of the agreement. Whose fault is that?
"It cannot be the player's fault because that is what he believes he is worth," he continues.
Motloung appeals to clubs to not agree to contracts they cannot fulfill because they know their financial situations.
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"This was a common practice with Lawrence Mulaudzi, the owner of Tshakhuma Tsha Madzhivhandila FC. He would sign players and offer them high salaries, only to be unable to pay them at the end of the month. This makes the players appear selfish or greedy.
"As FUSA, we hope that this issue will be resolved soon. It is now a matter between the club and SARS, and unfortunately, it is the players who will bear the consequences."
According to a strong-worded statement by Chippa United, their next fixture against Royal AM, initially scheduled for 11 January, has since been postponed without any reason provided by the League.