Orlando Pirates have confirmed they have approached the High Court to preserve funds linked to certain financial transactions while those transactions are investigated.
The Betway Premiership champions said the legal application should not be interpreted as evidence that wrongdoing has occurred.
“The Club has asked the High Court to preserve funds linked to certain financial transactions while those transactions are investigated,” Orlando Pirates said in a statement.
The club stressed that the action was taken to protect its finances during the investigation, rather than to accuse anyone of misconduct.
“This is a precautionary step to protect the Club’s funds during the process,” the statement added.
Orlando Pirates also emphasised that the court application does not amount to a finding of wrongdoing.
“The application is not a finding of wrongdoing and should not be interpreted as one,” the club said.
The individual concerned is cooperating with the process, according to the club, which said it was committed to ensuring that the matter was handled fairly.
“The individual concerned is cooperating, and the Club is committed to a fair process for everyone involved,” Orlando Pirates said.
The statement comes as the club prepares for the remainder of the season. Orlando Pirates said the legal proceedings have not affected its football operations and sought to reassure its supporters, partners and sponsors that its normal commitments remain in place.
“Our supporters, partners and sponsors can be assured that the Club’s day-to-day operations and commitments continue as normal,” the club said.
It added that its priority remained its sporting objectives and the team’s work for the season ahead.
“Our focus remains on the team and the season ahead.”
With the matter now before the High Court, Orlando Pirates said it would not comment further while the legal process continued.
“As the matter is before the court, it would not be appropriate for the Club to comment further at this stage,” the statement read.
The club said it would provide more information when it was able to do so.
“We will provide updates when we are able to do so.”
Orlando Pirates’ statement confirms the existence of the court application while maintaining that it is designed to safeguard club funds during an investigation, rather than establish that wrongdoing has taken place.
