FIFA confirmed it is reviewing an appeal made by South Africa to them about their Group G World Cup qualifier game against Ghana that they lost 1-0. The South Africans are appealing to the football governing body FIFA for them to replay the game.
FIFA Set to Approve South Africa’s Appeal Against Ghana
The CEO of the South African Football Association said Tebogo Motlanthe confirmed they had made a
“formal complaint” immediately after the match at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium. Former referee Ace Ncobo claimed that a staggering 89.3% of incorrect decisions from referee Maguette Ndiaye went against Bafana Bafana.
Ghana was awarded a controversial penalty in the 33rd minute after Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey was adjudged to have been fouled. The penalty was converted, and it became the only goal of the match. The South African filed a report through Motlanthe saying: “Yes, I can confirm that we acted immediately by registering [a complaint] with the match commissioner last night.”
He also said: “The penalty issue, from where I was seated, it didn’t look legit. It is sad that referees decide the games at this level.” “Having seen what the team went through, it is disheartening, and we salute the Technical Team and the players for showing the fighting spirit despite the match officials’ conduct.”
Football governing body FIFA confirmed in a statement that they were reviewing the official complaint by SAFA. The statement read: “FIFA has received a complaint from the South African FA in relation to this matter and will review it. Please understand we cannot comment further at this stage.”
