World Football governing body, FIFA is expected to deliver a verdict on the South Africa Football Association’s protest against Ghana.
FIFA is expected to deliver their verdict in the next few days after quickly dispatching a similar appeal filed by Benin against DR Congo.
Benin, who needed a single point to qualify at the expense of DR Congo, capitulated to a 2:0 defeat through goals from Dieumerci Mbokani and Ben Malango.
According to their official statement to FIFA, Benin claims the opening goal was an ‘imaginary penalty’ that affected the outcome of the game while the substitution issue of making five changes at different intervals was cited as ‘cheating’ the official FIFA laws.
With only three intervals allowed to make substitutions in the game, it’s been reported that the issue will go down as an issue towards the officials and not the DRC.
Following 48 hours of nerves, FIFA sent out a statement to the media which suggests they do not consider the appeal and the Leopards will compete in the third round.
The FIFA Disciplinary Commission only touched on the number of yellow cards and potential player suspensions in future fixtures, according to Patrick Lupika on Canal+.
“FIFA is not asking the Congolese authorities for any explanation on this issue of substitutions,” he stated after the document was released.
DR Congo joins, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Mali, Cameroon and Nigeria – while South Africa are contesting Ghana’s qualification.
Meanwhile, FIFA is expected to announce their decision in the Ghana Vs. South Africa matter in a matter of days after receiving the complaint from SAFA and subsequent response from GFA.
According to seasoned African football pundits, FIFA is likely to throw out SAFA’s complaint.
Source: GhanaFeed.Com
