Matthews disappointed with PSL absence from WFS

By Velile Mnyandu
18th November 2022

SuperSport United and PSL Executive Committee member Stan Matthews described the World Football Summit as a success but says it would have been better had the PSL been officially invited.

WFS is a European-based company that organises events focusing on the commercial side of the game and other key areas, like technical and governance matters.

Speaking on the second and final day of this event in Durban yesterday, Matthews felt the full participation of the League would have brought a different dimension to the discussions at the event.

"I think any forum like this is fantastic for football, to see the latest technologies, trends, have networking opportunities and see how we can improve ourselves as football clubs in South Africa," Matthews told SABC Sport.

"Obviously on a personal level, I would have liked to see that this type of Summit was more publicised and [had] more engagement with PSL clubs, so to have more of my colleagues and contemporaries here.

"I heard about it like by-the-by, second hand and not via a proper invitation as a football stakeholder. So, for me, this type of thing is fantastic but a lot of additional people should be here, sharing in this information and having access to what's going on in [the world of football]."

Of the 32 teams falling under the PSL, only Mamelodi Sundowns had an exhibition stand and were fully engaged in the two-day event, while Maritzburg United and their Bundesliga partner Arminia Bielefeld also had a stand on the first day.

Stellenbosch CEO Rob Bernadie – also a PSL Exco and SAFA NEC member attended the full event, while Kaizer Chiefs sent representatives.