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LUXOLO BADI SHOULD NEVER REFEREE PIRATES GAMES A basic legal principle: no one should be a judge in their own cause. Nemo iudex in causa sua. A referee is a judge on the football field. Impartiality is therefore essential. In President of the Republic of South Africa v SARFU 1999 (4) SA 147 (CC), the Constitutional Court recognised the test of reasonable apprehension of bias. Actual bias need not be proved; the question is whether a reasonable, informed person would apprehend a lack of impartiality. Apply that principle to Luxolo Badi. Social media posts attributed to an account bearing his name contain Pirates-related messages, including “up da bucks”. Yesterday's Soweto Derby added fuel to the controversy. Chiefs questioned Mbuthuma's opening goal, an alleged missed second yellow card for Simphiwe Selepe and other refereeing decisions. Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz felt Pirates had effectively played with 12 men. I am not accusing Badi of cheating. But football cannot ignore the appearance of potential conflicts of interest. CONCLUSION Safa needs a transparent disclosure and recusal policy. My position is simple: Luxolo Badi should not referee Orlando Pirates games. The integrity of football depends not only on impartial decisions, but also on public confidence in those making them.