Fresh Fact Emerges Favouring South Africa To Retain 13 Points Despite Fielding Ineligible Player

Fresh Fact Emerges Favouring South Africa To Retain 13 Points Despite Fielding Ineligible Player

By Admin

South Africa may escape being punished by the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) for starting a suspended player in their FIFA World Cup qualifier matchday 5 encounter versus Lesotho, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Despite committing the error which doubt attracts punishment of forfeiting three points to Lesotho, South Africa may rely on a part of FIFA Disciplinary Code to maintain their 13-point on top of Ground C table.

The FIFA Disciplinary Code states thus, “if a player receives a caution in two separate matches of the same FIFA competition, they are automatically suspended from the next match.” Furthermore, protests must be submitted to the Disciplinary Committee in writing, outlining the relevant grounds, within 24 hours of the match’s conclusion. The protest letter submitted by Lesotho Football Federation did not go in line with the above code, hence, creating a lacuna for South Africa to escape FIFA hammer.

Also in the FIFA code not favouring South Africa is another part which states that “the participation of an ineligible player in a match due to that player not fulfilling the criteria established in relevant FIFA regulations.”

Regarding the issue of fielding ineligible players, the FIFA Code states that its judicial body “may impose any appropriate disciplinary measures” when a player is fielded while ineligible.

Even in the worst-case scenario of this debacle, if three points is deducted, Bafana Bafana will still be two points clear at the top and maintain a positive two-goal difference with 10 points. South Africa still have an advantage because their remaining qualifiers will likely be at home.

In September, South Africa play Lesotho, a game likely to be played in South Africa and they host the Super Eagles. Bafana will complete the 2026 campaign with home ties against Zimbabwe and Rwanda. The Warriors are also likely to “host” Bafana on South African soil as they don’t have a CAF-approved stadium.