MBABANE — The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) has drawn a firm line on halftime conduct, warning clubs that halftime team talks must stay confined to the dressing rooms, not the pitch or technical area.
In a circular issued on November 10, 2025, PLE Chief Executive Officer, Petros Vilakati, said the league had noted repeated breaches of Article 20.3(d) of its Master Rules and Regulations, where some teams returned to the field during halftime or engaged in on-field coaching sessions before the second half resumed.
Vilakati emphasized that such conduct violates established matchday protocols and undermines the professionalism the league strives to uphold.
“All participating teams are reminded to strictly adhere to the League’s operational guidelines,” the circular reads. “Unauthorized presence on the field or technical area during halftime is prohibited.”
Match officials have been instructed to document any halftime violations in their match reports, paving the way for disciplinary action as outlined in the league’s Schedule of Sanctions.
The EFA Referees Committee has also been copied in the correspondence for closer oversight and enforcement.
The new directive effectively signals a crackdown on what the PLE describes as “unbecoming trends”, where coaches deliver tactical instructions on the touchline during breaks or send players to warm up early without permission. League management insists the move is about maintaining order, fairness, and the image of Eswatini football.
Clubs found flouting the rule risk facing stiff penalties and possible suspensions for repeated breaches.
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