Tendai Ndoro told to stop playing for Ajax Cape Town, Fifa set to intervene

Ajax Cape Town striker Tendai Ndoro has been told to stop playing for the Mother City-based outfit until his case is finalized. 

Arbitrator Nassir Cassim SC has also ruled that the matter involving Ndoro's eligibility/ineligibility be referred to Fifa, saying that the PSL Dispute Resolution Chambers (DRC) doesn't have 'jurisdiction over the matter'. 

The Zimbabwean marksman has been in the news since joining the Urban Warriors in January after it emerged that Fifa rules prohibit him from playing for a third different club this season. 

Ndoro played for Orlando Pirates before leaving for Saudi Arabian outfit Al Faisaly at the beginning of the season. 

He returned to South Africa a few months later to sign a contract with Ajax. The club registered him with the PSL.

Ndoro has already featured eight times for Muhsin Ertugral's side this year.  

A few months ago, Pirates and Polokwane City lodged protests over Ndoro's eligibility, but they were recently dismissed by the PSL DRC. 

The South African Football Association (Safa) released an official statement confirming that the matter will now be handled by Fifa as it involves an overseas club (Al Faisaly). 

Below is the full statement as released by Safa on Wednesday:

Arbitrator Nassir Cassim SC has ruled that the Tendai Ndoro matter be referred to the world football governing body, FIFA arguing the PSL’s Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) does not have jurisdiction over the matter.

Orlando Pirates and Polokwane City had lodged a protest with the PSL arguing that Ajax Cape Town had contravened FIFA rules by fielding the player. The player played for Pirates before signing for a Saudi Arabia side Al Faisaly before returning to the PSL to join Ajax.

FIFA rules prohibit a player to play for three different clubs in a single season.

In his ruling on Wednesday, 28 March 2018, Cassim SC referred the case to FIFA saying it was because the matter involved an overseas/international club.

He also ruled that in the meantime, the player should stop playing for Ajax.