Prime
CAS confirms receipt of Yanga’s case over controversial derby postponement
What you need to know:
- The dispute stems from the controversial postponement of match number 184, which was originally scheduled to take place at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on March 8.
Dar es Salaam. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has confirmed that it has received and is currently handling the case filed by Young Africans (Yanga) against the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB), and Simba Sports Club.
The dispute stems from the controversial postponement of match number 184, which was originally scheduled to take place at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on March 8.
According to a document signed by CAS Counsel Amelia Moore, dated March 31, 2025, Yanga submitted its statement of appeal on March 17, 2025, against TFF (the First Respondent), TPLB (the Second Respondent), and Simba Sports Club (the Third Respondent).
The statement indicates that Yanga is represented by four advocates: Alex Mgongolwa, Juma Nassoro, Respicius Didace, Simon Patrick, and Kalaghe Rashid.
As per the CAS statement, pursuant to Article R51 of the Code, the appellant must file a brief with CAS within ten (10) days following the expiry of the time limit for the appeal.
This brief should state the facts and legal arguments supporting the appeal, along with all exhibits—clearly listed and numbered—and any other evidence on which the appellant intends to rely. Failure to do so will result in the appeal being deemed withdrawn.
In its written submissions, the appellant must specify the names of any witnesses, provide a brief summary of their expected testimony, and identify any experts, including their areas of expertise, whom it intends to call.
It must also state any other evidentiary measures requested. Witness statements, if any, should be filed together with the appeal brief unless the President of the Panel decides otherwise.
The appellant is also invited to produce copies of any specific regulations on which it intends to rely.
Finally, if the statement of appeal is to be considered the appeal brief, the appellant must inform the CAS Court Office accordingly within the same deadline. Failure to do so will result in the appeal being deemed withdrawn.
Background of the dispute
The dispute arises from the postponement of the league match between Yanga and Simba, which was initially scheduled under the management of the TPLB and TFF.
Feeling aggrieved by the decision, Yanga formally lodged a complaint against TFF, TPLB, and Simba SC, seeking intervention from CAS.
The club contend that the decision to postpone the match was unfair and that the governing bodies failed to adhere to league regulations.
Yanga argue that such decisions compromise the integrity of the competition and create an atmosphere of uncertainty that affects team preparations and fan expectations. As a result, the dispute will now undergo legal review to determine whether Yanga’s claims have merit and whether corrective action should be taken.
Yanga’s standpoint
Yanga SC maintain that it has been unfairly treated and is seeking clarity on how league matches should be scheduled and postponed in the future. The club has stressed that its primary objective is to ensure fairness in the competition rather than targeting any specific team or organization.
Legal process and CAS arbitration
According to legal experts, CAS follows a structured arbitration process, including reviewing submissions from all involved parties, gathering evidence, and conducting hearings when necessary.
The arbitration body will also determine whether TFF and TPLB acted within their mandate or if they violated any competition rules that might warrant intervention.
