Kaizer Chiefs' league campaign could be delayed

The warning comes from the Premier Soccer League (PSL) chief executive Trevor Phillips.

He said that the recent arrest of 16 referees would impact on the 16-club league programme if all were found guilty.

Fixtures for the richest league in Africa are due to begin on 7 August.

Another league official has hinted that referees from neighbouring countries may be used to avoid a delay.

Police have so far made 22 arrests - 16 referees, five club officials and one match commissioner - since mid-June after the South Africa Football Association (Safa) requested a probe into repeated media allegations of corruption.

Newspaper reports suggest match-fixing is not confined to Premiership games, but also involves cup ties and matches in the first division.

Reports claim referees have received up to US $6,500 to rig matches by awarding dubious goals and penalties as well as key players being unfairly expelled.

Among the referees arrested were Petrus Mathabela, Simon Motau and Ronnie Marhule, who are on a panel chosen by world football governing body FIFA to control international fixtures this year.

Mathabela has been dropped as referee of a 2006 World Cup qualifier between Sudan and Libya in Omdurman this weekend with compatriot Daniel Bennet taking over.

It is alleged match-fixing in South Africa has been taking place for several years.