By Mark Ogagan
South Africa’s third division club, Highlands Park FC, faces relegation after it emerged that it’s Nigerian player, Franklin Ogbonna, used fake permit to ply his trade in the country’s soccer league.
Local South African media reports indicated that severe punishment from the PSL could result in a 57-point deduction for Highlands Park.
The 28-year-old Ogbonna was alleged to have used fraudulent study and general work permits while playing for Highlands Park in the ABC Motsepe League.
In an affidavit obtained by local media, an official from South Africa’s Home Affairs Department confirmed that the two documents purportedly used by the striker were fake.
This revelation followed an investigation which established that the unique control number on the study permit is invalid and that no such permit records exist.
Similarly, the tracking number on the general work visa is also invalid, with no corresponding application records available.
As a result of this confirmation of his illegal status, the player, who has been actively representing Highlands Park, has put the club at risk of losing points.
“The visa label unique control number 877 61509 is invalid, and no such visa exists. The tracking number, which appears on the visa, is invalid, and no such records exist,” reads the affidavit.
Ogbonna played in games that contributed to the club’s 57 points, and if the club were to be docked all 57 points, their standing would fall to 18th place, leaving them with just 26 points.
As a result, the Lions of the North may no longer represent Gauteng at the upcoming SAFA National Playoffs set to be held next month in Bloemfontein, Free State.
Ogbonna previously plied his trade for Richards Bay in the PSL and Hungry Lions in the National First Division (renamed Motsepe Foundation Championship).
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