FIFA Rubishes SAFA Claims For World Qualifiers Replay

By Ngome Michael

World football governing body, FIFA has ruled out on a protest made by the South African Football Association calling for a rematch of Matchday6 WCQ game against Ghana.

The verdict was pronounced today, December 3rd by FIFA’s disciplinary committee, terming the complaint “inadmissible”.

“The protest lodged by South Africa has been declared inadmissible by the Disciplinary Committee as it did not meet the requirements foreseen under art. 46 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and art. 14 of the Regulations of the Preliminary Competition of the FIFA World Cup 2022”, the statement read in part.

South Africa needed just a draw last month to secure a place in the Play-offs when they were beaten 1-0 by Ghana at the Cape Coast Stadium.

Andrew Ayew scored the lone of the match through a penalty warded by Senegalese referee, Maguette Ndiaye from a foul comitted by Bafana Bafana defender, Rushine de Reuck on midfieder, Daniel Amartey.

Ghana went ahead to win group G on goal scored and progressing to next year’s Play-offs in March after both teams completed the qualifiers level with 13points each.

FIFA’s ruling had little to mention about referee Maguette Ndiaye implying he is free of accusations of dubious officiating during last month’s game.

Video footages of the game equally showed the defender using his hands to impede Amartey when as set piece was delivered.

Football archives show reports of South Africa playing rematch against Senegal during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers in which they lost 2-0 to the Teranga Lions after wining 2-1 before FIFA called for a replay when a referee was found guilty of manipulation.

South Africa led by former Indomitable Lions coach, Hugo Bross have to wait till 2026 when they will vying for a place on the global stage.

Double tragedy for the rainbow Nation who will be absent from the 33rd AFCON expected to kick-off in under four weeks.