diff --git a/fas/fas/group.py b/fas/fas/group.py
index 03c9af6..c96b92c 100644
--- a/fas/fas/group.py
+++ b/fas/fas/group.py
@@ -328,7 +328,6 @@ Please go to %(url)s to take action.
             turbogears.redirect('/group/view/%s' % group.name)
             return dict()
         else:
-            target.sponsor(group, person)
             try:
                 target.sponsor(group, person)
             except fas.SponsorError, e:
diff --git a/fas/fas/model.py b/fas/fas/model.py
index e36d373..57786f5 100644
--- a/fas/fas/model.py
+++ b/fas/fas/model.py
@@ -174,7 +174,7 @@ class People(SABase):
             raise fas.SponsorError, _('user is not an unapproved member')
         role = PersonRoles.query.filter_by(member=cls, group=group).one()
         role.role_status = 'approved'
-        role.sponsor_id = requester.id
+        role.sponsor = requester
         role.approval = datetime.now(pytz.utc)
         cls._handle_auto_add(group, requester)
 
@@ -201,7 +201,7 @@ class People(SABase):
             role = PersonRoles.query.filter_by(member=cls, group=group).one()
             if role.role_status != 'approved':
                 role.role_status = 'approved'
-                role.sponsor_id = requester.id
+                role.sponsor = requester
                 role.approval = datetime.now(pytz.utc)
         except InvalidRequestError:
             role = PersonRoles()