CSA is facing legal action for its decision to remove David Teeger as SA U19 captain before this year’s U19 World Cup in South Africa.

In January, the 19-year-old was “relieved” of the role by CSA for “safety” reasons, relating to pro-Israel comments he made when receiving the Rising Star of the Absa Jewish Achiever Awards last November.

“Yes, I’ve been given this award, and yes, I’m now the Rising Star, but the true rising stars are the young soldiers in Israel,” he said.

Israel is currently fighting a war against Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip, following the terrorist attack on 7 October 2023.

CSA claimed that the threat of protests related to the war during the U19 World Cup prompted it to act, although Teeger was still selected for all six of SA U19’s matches as a player.

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News24 reports that human rights protection NGO Citizens for Integrity had filed papers at the Gauteng Division of the High Court, saying that CSA’s “security concerns” were unlawful, unconstitutional and irrational”.

Citizens for Integrity attorney Daniel Witz elaborated in a statement:

“While reinstating Teeger to his former captaincy in a concluded tournament is impossible, we hope this case will result in a court declaration confirming that CSA acted irrationally and unlawfully. This would underscore the imperative to protect all rights and the freedom of speech.

“CSA has failed to explain why a security threat was posed only if Teeger remained captain, but not if he remained a team member. Additionally, CSA did not outline any measures to protect Teeger and the team if such a threat truly existed.

“As the hosts and organisers of the tournament, CSA had an obligation to ensure the safety of their players, yet they failed to act appropriately.

“CSA’s decision not only embarrassed and humiliated Teeger, infringing on his rights and affecting his career, but it also violated the rights of all South Africans.”

Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images