The FIFA Disciplinary Committee confirmed the sanction on the Bafana Bafana ace on Wednesday.
It followed after reviewing the incident that took place during South Africa’s opening match of the tournament on 11 June.
THEMBA ZWANE TO MISS THREE BAFANA BAFANA MATCHES
Zwane received a straight red card, leaving Hugo Broos’ side to finish the contest with a numerical disadvantage in a 2-0 defeat.
Zwane received a straight red card for violent conduct after he illegally raised his arm and struck Mexican defender Roberto Alvarado in the face.
The punishment means the experienced midfielder will now miss South Africa’s remaining Group Stage fixtures against Czechia and South Korea.
The ban also extends to the Round of 32 should Bafana Bafana qualify for the knockout stages.
HUGE SELECTION HEADACHE FOR HUGO BROOS
The suspension comes at a difficult time for Broos, who is already dealing with a depleted midfield after Sphephelo Sithole was also sent off in the loss to Mexico.
Without Zwane’s creativity, leadership and experience, South Africa will be forced to rely on other attacking options as they attempt to keep their campaign alive.
The 35-year-old has been one of the team’s most influential figures in recent years, often providing the spark in the final third.
South Africa now face a must-win clash against Czechia before taking on South Korea in their final group fixture. Defeat in either encounter could end their hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds.
Broos is expected to reshuffle his lineup. Players such as Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis likely to shoulder greater creative responsibility in Zwane’s absence.
Should South Africa survive the group stage and reach the Round of 32, the veteran midfielder would still be unavailable. He will only becoming eligible to return for a potential Round of 16 appearance.
His suspension is therefore a major blow as the 1996 African Champions fight to extend their stay in the competition.
WHO SHOULD START FOR BAFANA BAFANA IN THEMBA ZWANE’S PLACE?
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