Bafana fans slam Safa’s move to appeal Fifa ruling
South African football fans express outrage over the SA Football Association’s decision to appeal a FIFA ruling that docked Bafana Bafana points for fielding ineligible player Teboho Mokoena (pictured), impacting their World Cup qualifying campaign and allowing Benin to lead the group. Picture: Backpagepix / File
Image: Backpagepix / File
With the news that the SA Football Association (Safa) would be appealing the Fifa ruling to dock Bafana Bafana points in their World Cup qualifying campaign, local fans have not reacted well to the move.
In a 279-word statement released by Safa on Monday, nowhere does Safa accept responsibility for Bafana fielding ineligible player Teboho Mokoena during their World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in March.
Mokoena had picked up a one-match suspension ahead of the Lesotho match. Bafana went on to win the clash 2-0, but have now been penalised for playing Mokoena and credited with a 3-0 defeat.
This radically alters Bafana’s position as they are deducted three points and have five goals taken away in their goal difference.
Benin Tops Group with Better Goal Difference, South Africa Faces Tough Road Ahead
It means Benin are now top, also on 14 points with South Africa. Benin’s goal difference is better by one, so from being heavy favourites to book their automatic World Cup spot, Bafana will now have to hope the final two fixtures go their way.
While Safa did offer an apology, it still fell short of being held accountable when it said: “We apologise to the nation for this administrative oversight and will reflect on the steps to take at the conclusion of our qualifying campaign. Finally, we call on all South Africans to rally behind the team during this final and crucial stage of the qualifiers.”
Soccer Fans Express Disappointment Over SAFA’s Appeal Decision
Saul Dikgang wrote to IOL and said: “It’s very embarrassing to learn that SAFA is going the appeal route, knowing very well that they won’t succeed. The first and honourable thing to do is to fire those responsible for the negligence.
“Wasting money on a useless appeal is denying collective responsibility by the entire SAFA. We the soccer fans are not happy at all about officials not doing their job at such a senior level. It is simply appalling.”
Stan Mda wrote on IOL Sport’s Facebook page: “What is happening with SAFA is the true reflection of where we are as a country, The standard is very low.”
Bonginkos Dindo wrote: “They just trying cover up and shield their mistake or negligence”