Cape Town City will have to contend with life in the second tier of South African football following their latest setback.

On Friday, the Citizens’ case against Marumo Gallants was dismissed at arbitration.

Cape Town City took the matter to arbitration, as they were aggrieved by the decision of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) Disciplinary Committee.

The PSL DC ruled recently that Marumo Gallants were guilty of fielding a defaulter, Monde Mphambaniso, during the 2024/25 season.

Instead of docking points, the PSL DC opted to fine Marumo Gallants R200 000, half of which is suspended for two years on condition that they are not found guilty of the same offence during this period.

Cape Town City were unhappy with the decision and approached the South African Football Association (SAFA), who appointed an arbitrator, Judge Hilton Epstein SC.

In the ruling, Epstein noted, “Cape Town City Football Club’s referral of its claim to arbitration is dismissed.”

John Comitis’s club was also ordered to pay the costs of the arbitrator, the National Soccer League, and Marumo Gallants on the High Court scale.

The decision means Marumo Gallants will continue to campaign in the top flight, while Cape Town City, who were relegated, will play in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

If Marumo Gallants were docked points, Cape Town City would have survived relegation.