‘As SAFA, we are deeply disappointed with this unprecedented outcome,’ said the association in a statement.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) have said they intend to appeal Fifa’s decision to dock them three points for fielding an ineligible player – Teboho Mokoena – in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in March.
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Fifa announced on Monday that, as per their rules, they have awarded Lesotho a 3-0 win in the Group C qualifier that took place on March 21. Bafana initially won the match 2-0, but fielded Mokoena, who was supposed to be suspended having picked up two yellow cards previously in the group stages.
SAFA ‘deeply disappointed’
“As SAFA, we are deeply disappointed with this unprecedented outcome noting that it was delivered by a single-member panel without reasons, and without affording the Association an opportunity to present legal arguments,” read a SAFA statement on Monday.
“The Association confirms that we have requested written reasons for the judgment and intend to lodge a formal appeal with the FIFA Appeals Committee within the prescribed 10-day period under FIFA’s disciplinary rules.”
The likelihood of SAFA succeeding, however, looks very slim. Fifa’s rules are clear on the matter.
“If a team fields a player who is not eligible to participate (due to suspension, registration issues, nationality, etc.), the match is automatically forfeited. The default result is a 3-0 loss, unless the actual result was even more disadvantageous to the offending team,” reads the relevant rule.
And there is, despite SAFA’s protestations, a precedent.
Fifa punishment consistent
In December 2017, Fifa punished Nigeria for fielding an ineligible player – Abdullahi Shehu – in a 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Algeria.
A 3-0 win was awarded to Algeria, but as it happened, the decision did not affect Nigeria’s qualification for the World Cup finals.
Bafana, now tied with Benin at the top of Group C, will hope they can also still make it to the finals.
“The Association emphasises its continued commitment to supporting Bafana Bafana in their qualification campaign,” continued the SAFA statement.
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“The players and the technical team have worked extremely hard to reach this stage, and we remain focused on ensuring they secure maximum points in the matches ahead. We apologise to the nation for this administrative oversight and will reflect on the steps to take at the conclusion of our qualifying campaign.”
Bafana will play their final two qualifiers next month. They take on Zimbabwe in Durban on October 10 and Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium four days later.