Eighteen time English league and five time UEFA champions league winners, Liverpool Football Club, were due to make post-season stop in Cape Town this month, were they were scheduled to play Ajax Cape Town on the 21st at Cape Town stadium.
The City of Cape Town as well as Liverpool Football Club released official statements on the 6th of may, confirming that Ajax Cape Town would host Liverpool in once off friendly match, which would take place on the 21st of May. The news sent South African Liverpool fans into a state of euphoria, 'pool fans all over the country began looking and booking flights and accommodation in and around Cape Town in the dates surrounding the match day. The euphoria however was short lived when days after the official announcement , the Premier Soccer League put a halt to proceedings, saying the match could not go on because it was scheduled to be played while the PSL season was still ongoing, another reason cited was the fear that the Liverpool match would take away from the glamour of the Nedbank cup which would've been played four days later. Ajax went on to appeal the decision made by the PSL, but their appeal was unsuccessful to have the match played on the 21st, the PSL however were willing to allow the match to be played on the 26th of May.
The news of the 'cancellation' sent fans into a state of confusion, as there was no clear communication from either the City of Cape Town or the Premier Soccer League on weather the match would be played on the 26th or if it would be cancelled indefinitely. The lack of communication went on for days, leaving fans frustrated and annoyed, to this day some fans still believe the English Giants will be in the country on the 21st.
The City of Cape Towns' Mayoral Committee member for Tourism,Events and marketing ,councillor Grant Pascoe finally shed some light on what will forever be seen as one of the biggest failures in the city's events history, when earlier today he released the following statement,Pascoe said:
"Ajax Cape Town FC, in good faith, negotiated with the South African Football Association (SAFA), and Liverpool FC with the English Football Association for permission for the match to take place. Permission from both these bodies was granted. The City is inclusive and would consider any and all such proposals from other Cape based teams.
In a letter from SAFA to the CEO of the Premier Soccer League (PSL), SAFA states “we are therefore granting your club permission to participate in this International Friendly Match, provided they comply with FIFA regulations governing international matches and that FIFA responds favourably to the application.”
Based on this positive correspondence, the City continued engagements with Liverpool FC and with arrangements for the game to take place.
There are no guidelines or regulations for PSL teams or external organisations to follow that govern these arrangements. It is purely on a case by case basis. To the city’s knowledge no prior applications have been refused before this one. After extensive consultations, including trying to find an alternate date, a solution could not be found to suit all concerned.
The City of Cape Town remains committed to making Cape Town the events, particularly the sporting events, capital of South Africa and the broader African continent. (optional) It is the City’s position that the reputational damage lies with the PSL, as even their sponsors have actively distanced themselves from the decision taken. The City will not be deterred or deflated by this obstacle and is actively negotiating several other sporting events to bring to the people of Cape Town."
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| Gerrard was set to miss the tour, due an upcoming shoulder injury |
This unfortunate situation will leave a bitter taste in South African Liverpool fans mouth for years to come, let's hope the city steer clear of any future mishaps by going through the proper channels in any future attempt to bring a European football time to the beautiful city that is Cape Town.
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