Zuko Komisa

- Cardoso alleges that club officials are visiting match referees at night or on the morning of games to influence outcomes.
- The head coach claimed to have seen photographic proof of these clandestine meetings occurring as recently as this week.
- He argued that the immediate implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology is the only way to professionalize the league and eliminate foul play.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has sparked a firestorm in South African football after alleging a serious lack of integrity regarding matchday protocols.
Following his side’s narrow 2-1 victory over Gomora United in the Nedbank Cup, the under-fire manager shifted focus from the pitch to the shadows, claiming he has evidence of club officials meeting with referees in private ahead of kickoff.
The allegations surfaced during a post-match press conference at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
“It becomes very interesting that the officials of some teams visit the referees in the morning of the match,” Cardoso told reporters.
He intensified his claims by stating he had seen a photo that very Wednesday depicting club representatives visiting a referee at night.
“That’s what you need to worry about in terms of football,” he added, suggesting that these interactions are a recurring “South African” phenomenon.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:
Cardoso's Shock Allegations
— Mahlatse Mphahlele (@BraMahlatse) February 5, 2026
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso alleges some club officials meet referees on match-day.
WATCH press conference ➡️➡️➡️https://t.co/mo6FxkrZNA pic.twitter.com/sF6DMu0LEz
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