South Africa’s hopes of replaying their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Ghana have ended.
FIFA has dismissed an appeal from South Africa regarding their World Cup qualifier against Ghana, declaring it as ‘inadmissible’.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) lodged a formal complaint to football’s governing body last month following the national team’s defeat to Ghana in a decisive World Cup qualifier.
The Bafana Bafana needed to avoid defeat to progress to the third and final round of the African qualifiers. A controversial first-half penalty, however, ended their campaign. Ghana instead progressed, as Andre Ayew put away the decisive spot-kick to seal the Black Stars a 1-0 win in Cape Coast.
The outcome led to widespread protests from SAFA and fans alike, prompting allegations of ‘match fixing’. SAFA president Danny Jordaan added there was a betting spike during the match.
My interview ok with @eNCA . We discussed FIFA’s decision on Ghana VS South Africa World Cup qualifiers . pic.twitter.com/qzWo7IzIS6
— Oma Akatugba (@omaakatugba) December 3, 2021
What did FIFA say?
The statement read: “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 decision is subject to appeal.”
What happened in the game?
Senegalese referee, Ndiaye Maguette, pointed to the spot in the 33rd-minute of the match after South Africa defender Rushine De Reuck made contact with Ghana’s Daniel Amartey by flicking his arm out.
Ayew duly put the penalty away to seal the 1-0 win for Ghana and send the Black Stars through to the next round as Group G winners.
What will the SAFA do now?
Shortly after FIFA broke the news, SAFA released a statement that indicated they may follow up with another appeal.
“The South African Football Association (SAFA) will consider its options after the world football governing body (FIFA) dismissed its protest following Bafana Bafana’s controversial 1-0 loss to the Black Stars of Ghana last month. SAFA CEO, Advocate Tebogo Monthlante said once SAFA gets reasons for the outcome, will sit down and weigh its options.
“We have received the decision without details and we will request FIFA for the reasons and consider our options.”
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