CSA confirms Graeme Smith to face arbitration proceedings over 'tentative findings against him'

Both CSA and Smith will have legal representation, with the arbitration taking place before advocates Ngwako Maenetje SC and Michael Bishop.

The findings of the arbitrators will then be made public.

The hearing follows "tentative findings" by the Social Justice and Nation-Building (SJN) chair Advocate Dumisa Ntsebeza that Smith's and Proteas head coach Mark Boucher's appointments were procedurally "flawed".

Smith was appointed as director of cricket in 2019.

He secured test wicketkeeper Mark Boucher as national team coach the following year, a move that was heavily critisized.

The former captain has also come under fire over allegations of bias against black players.

Chair of the CSA Board Lawson Naidoo believes the arbitration will brig the disputes to finality.

"The use of formal arbitration proceedings to deal with these issues is in keeping with CSA's commitment to deal with the SJN issues in a manner that treats them with utmost seriousness but also ensures fairness, due process and finality."

Smith's lawyer, David Becker, says his client maintains the findings were baseless. 

"Graeme and his advisors have consistently voiced material concerns with the SJN process, in particular the “tentative findings’ made against him. He looks forward to demonstrating through this impartial process that these findings are without merit."

The proceedings are set to kick off next week Monday.

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