Why The South African Football Association Must Reform Its Training Compensation Regime

Whenever there is a discussion on the success (or failure) of South African national football teams, the issue of the need for proper youth development structures and programmes always takes centre stage. It is often argued that South African football lacks youth training and development structures necessary for the systematic flow-through of football players from youth teams into senior teams. This is a persistent issue that one would expect the football authorities or regulators, primarily the South African Football Association (“SAFA”), to pay attention to and ensure that youth development is encouraged through a training and development compensation regime that incentivises and properly compensates clubs and academies.

This article considers the training compensation regime in South African football. It will be argued that SAFA does not have a valid and proper training compensation regime and that there is a need for the adoption and implementation of a clear and comprehensive training compensation regime that will ensure that clubs and academies are easily and properly are compensated for their youth training and development efforts.

This article looks at:

• FIFA's training compensation regime and enabling provisions
• The training compensation regime in South African football
• The SAFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players
• The validity and enforceability of the SAFA RSTP
• Categorisation of clubs and training costs
• The SAFA Dispute Resolution Committee (or Chamber)