By Tapiwa Chawagarira
THE Premier Soccer League (PSL) has opened disciplinary proceedings against reigning champions Scottland FC over the alleged use of an ineligible player in the Chibuku Super Cup.
The charges relate to Namibian international Stoffel Witbeen, who featured for Scottland during their Chibuku Super Cup Round of 16 encounter against FC Platinum at Rufaro Stadium on August 14, 2026.
Scottland won the match 3-1, with Witbeen reportedly coming on as an 88th-minute substitute.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 1, the PSL said Scottland had been charged with breaching Article 8.4, read together with Article 4.1, of the Chibuku Super Cup Rules and Regulations.
The club has been given until Friday, October 2, to submit its written plea, defence, or submissions to the league.
The case comes against the background of an earlier clarification by PSL chief executive officer Rodwell Thabe concerning Scottland’s mid-season player registrations.
Thabe had indicated that Witbeen and fellow recruit Al-Ameen Tijani had been registered by Scottland but were not eligible to participate in domestic PSL competitions, with their registration understood to have been restricted to African club competitions.
The subsequent appearance of Witbeen in the Chibuku Super Cup has therefore brought the player’s eligibility into sharp focus and prompted the latest disciplinary action.
The PSL has also revealed that a separate matter involving Witbeen has been referred to the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).
According to the league, ZIFA will deal with that case under the applicable regulations relating to the ZIFA Munhumutapa Cup.
The two cases are therefore being handled through separate disciplinary processes, with the PSL dealing with the Chibuku Super Cup matter while ZIFA considers the Munhumutapa Cup-related issue.
Witbeen, 24, joined Scottland from Namibian side Okahandja United in July on a two-year contract. He is a versatile attacking player capable of operating as a winger or attacking midfielder.
Before moving to Zimbabwe, he represented Okahandja United and had also played in Botswana for Matebele FC. He made his senior international debut for Namibia in 2025.
His arrival at Scottland was part of the club’s mid-season recruitment drive as the Harare giants sought to strengthen their squad for domestic and continental commitments.
The latest case also comes at a significant stage of the season for Scottland, which is defending its Premier Soccer League title while competing in cup football and preparing for continental commitments.
For now, no finding of guilt has been made against Scottland, and the club has an opportunity to respond to the charge before the matter is determined by the relevant disciplinary structures.
The outcome of the proceedings could provide clarity on Witbeen’s eligibility and any potential consequences arising from his participation in the Chibuku Super Cup fixture.
The case is expected to attract considerable attention given Scottland’s status as the reigning league champions and the wider questions surrounding the registration and eligibility of mid-season recruits.
