Royal AM faces possible expulsion from the PSL amid a R40 million tax dispute, raising serious concerns about SARS’s ability to recover the debt and putting Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize’s football empire under intense scrutiny.

The South African football landscape has been thrown into disarray as Royal AM, the club owned by businesswoman and reality TV star Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize, faces possible expulsion from the Premier Soccer League (PSL) — a development that could severely impact the South African Revenue Service’s (SARS) efforts to recover a staggering R40 million in unpaid taxes.

At the heart of the storm is a long-standing dispute between SARS and Royal AM. The tax authority has reportedly been attempting to collect millions owed by the club — a debt that has now become entangled in legal, financial, and administrative chaos.

With Royal AM potentially on the brink of being booted from professional football, questions are mounting: will SARS ever see the money? And what does this mean for the future of the club, the PSL, and MaMkhize’s high-profile football empire?

Royal AM, based in KwaZulu-Natal and known as much for its flamboyance as for its unpredictability, has made headlines since its controversial entry into the PSL.

The club was launched under a cloud of drama after buying the top-flight status of Bloemfontein Celtic in 2021 — a move that drew widespread criticism and divided football fans across the country.

Under MaMkhize’s ownership, Royal AM became more than a football club — it became a spectacle. With celebrity-style entrances, lavish post-match celebrations, and a dose of reality TV flair, the team captured headlines week after week. But behind the glitz, financial issues have been quietly piling up.

The R40 million tax dispute is now threatening to unravel it all. Sources close to the situation suggest that if Royal AM is expelled from the league, SARS may be left with limited legal and financial avenues to recoup what it’s owed.

Without the club operating within the PSL structure — and with the possible freezing or liquidation of assets — the recovery process becomes significantly more complicated.

SARS has been known to act decisively when collecting large debts, especially from high-profile figures. But MaMkhize is no ordinary case. A savvy businesswoman with deep pockets and a legal team to match, she has previously navigated scrutiny and controversy with remarkable resilience.

Still, R40 million is no small amount, and the possibility that this figure could slip through SARS’s grasp has sparked debate about accountability and enforcement when it comes to celebrity-owned enterprises.

The PSL, meanwhile, finds itself in an awkward position. Expelling a club as visible and polarizing as Royal AM could send a powerful message about governance and financial discipline — but it also risks alienating fans and damaging the league’s image.

There is also concern about what happens to players, staff, and the broader community that relies on Royal AM as a source of employment and pride.

While official decisions have yet to be announced, there is growing pressure from within football circles to resolve the matter quickly and transparently. Analysts warn that lingering uncertainty could destabilize the league, especially with the new season looming.

If the expulsion goes through, Royal AM would not only lose its place in the PSL, but it may also struggle to recover credibility — both with SARS and the wider football fraternity.

For MaMkhize, who has built her personal brand around empowerment, success, and luxury, this is more than just a financial issue. It’s a reputational test.

Her loyal fan base, built through her visibility in media, television, and philanthropy, is watching closely. Supporters hope she’ll find a solution that protects the club’s future while honoring its financial obligations.

Meanwhile, speculation runs rampant. Could Royal AM be sold to another investor to cover debts? Will SARS seize club assets if payments aren’t made? Is there a chance MaMkhize pulls a surprise legal maneuver to protect her empire once again? The coming weeks will be critical.

This story is more than just about tax and football — it’s about power, influence, and the intersection of fame and responsibility. It’s a reminder that behind the headlines, football clubs are businesses, and when the bills come due, even the brightest stars can find themselves in the dark.

As the saga unfolds, one thing is clear: the future of Royal AM hangs in the balance, and so does SARS’s ability to recover one of the most high-profile debts in recent memory. Will MaMkhize pay up, or will this be the latest twist in a football soap opera that’s far from over?