The South African Football Association (SAFA) has reacted after FIFA deducted three points and imposed a fine on its national team, Bafana Bafana for fielding midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in March.
Recall that the ruling was given on Monday by FIFA.
South Africa had breached disciplinary rules by playing Mokoena, who should have been suspended after collecting two yellow cards earlier in the qualifying campaign.
Bafana had initially won the March 21 match 2-0, but FIFA overturned the result and awarded Lesotho a 3-0 victory.
The punishment dramatically shifts the Group C table. South Africa’s six-point lead over Nigeria has now been cut to three, while Benin Republic move top of the standings on goal difference.
SAFA, however, insists the sanction is both harsh and procedurally unfair. “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,” the body said in a statement.
The association added: “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.”
With the appeal pending, South Africa face a tense end to the qualifiers. Hugo Broos’ men must now win their final two fixtures against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in October to strengthen their World Cup hopes.
Meanwhile, Benin Republic look set to profit most from FIFA’s ruling. They host Rwanda in their next match before a potentially decisive showdown against Nigeria. The Super Eagles, who also take on Zimbabwe in their penultimate game, must win to keep their qualification hopes alive.
The Group C race, once seemingly tilted in South Africa’s favour, is now wide open with just two rounds left to play.
