ORLANDO Pirates' controversial appeal against fines for the misbehaviour of their spectators will not be heard until early next month, the South African Football Association said.

This will extend a process that could go a full year before being resolved.

The champions are trying to get off having to pay an effective R350000 fine for spectator misbehaviour at last year's Telkom Knockout final - and potentially change the tenor of three other outstanding cases that have been put on ice while the appeal process continues. Their appeal had been postponed last week and will not be heard until November 2.

Pirates are challenging the rule that makes them responsible for the behaviour of their fans both in and outside the stadium, whether they are in control of stadium security or not.

It is an important test case that could alter the levels of responsibility for stadium security and affect perceptions of a safe environment for spectators at Premier Soccer League matches.