FIFA throws out South Africa’s appeal for replay over World Cup qualifier against Ghana
World’s football governing body, FIFA has finally ruled to dismiss the appeal lodged by South Africa seeking a replay of its last Group G World Cup qualifying match against Ghana, which they lost by a lone goal away from home, in November.
South Africa Football Association (SAFA), in the appeal also protested the conduct of the Senegalese referee Maguitta Ndiaye following the 1-0 defeat a fortnight ago in the 2022 Qatar World Cup qualifiers.
The Black Stars were in a dire need of three points to top Group G and book their place in the playoffs while South Africa needed just a point.
Ghana’s Andre Ayew scored the only goal when referee Ndiaye awarded the West African country a penalty after defender Daniel Amartey was heckled down in the penalty box.
However, SAFA led by its CEO, Teboho Motlanthe lodged a protest as he sought the intervention of both FIFA and CAF on the matter.
SAFA then followed up with FIFA accepting that it had received SAFA’s official complaint, following an official press and public briefing held by the association.
SAFA had filed an appeal seeking a replay of the match citing poor officiating and conduct of center referee from Senegal, who they accused of manipulating the match.
The South Africans further alleged that a Ghanaian official traveled to Senegal to meet referee Ndiaye before the game.
Ghana responded to the allegations as it filed a counter appeal before FIFA on November 20.
In its ruling, Friday, sent to the South African Football Association, copied the CAF and the Ghana Football Association, and dated December 3, 2021, FIFA said the decision titled; Decision Ref FDD-9623 was made by the Chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Mr. Jorge Palacio, Colombia (Chairman) on 23 November 2021.
The letter signed by Carlos Schneider, Director of the FIFA Judicial Bodies, ruled the appeal by the South African Football Association (SAFA) as is ‘inadmissible’ as it did not meet the basic requirements for filling protests.
The appeal by SAFA was titled; Art. 46 – FDC – Protests.
It is believed that SAFA failed to meet their deadline day of filing the protest to FIFA through the Match Commissioner to CAF with their Protest fee. Also, the South African FA failed to provide empirical evidence to support all allegations stated in their protest against Ghana and referee Maguitta Ndiaye to FIFA.
With this ruling, Ghana’s place in the playoffs is now confirmed as it joins 9 others who have booked their places awaiting the official date for the January 2022 playoff draws.
Ghana could face any of Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia or Mali who are already seeded being the highest ranking countries in Africa.
