South Africa consider appeal over FIFA’s replay order News

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South Africa consider appeal over FIFA’s replay order

By Daily Sports on September 8, 2017

The South African Football Association (SAFA) are considering an appeal on the FIFA order that Bafana Bafana’s 2018 World Cup qualifier against Senegal must be replayed.

The sport’s world governing body has decreed that SA’s 2-1 win over the Teranga Lions in Polokwane last year - which featured ‘manipulation’ of the result by Ghanaian referee Joseph Lamptey - is null and void.

Lamptey has since been given a lifetime ban from the sport and FIFA has ordered that the match be replayed in November.

The news comes as a major blow to South Africa’s already slim hopes of qualifying for the 2018 showpiece, as the victory over Senegal was the only three-pointer they managed in four matches.

SAFA, in response to FIFA’s order, have hinted that they may appeal the decision, arguing that they were in no way involved in any attempt to influence the referee or result of the match.

“SAFA can confirm that we received a report from FIFA stating that we should replay our FIFA World Cup match against Senegal that was played last year on 12 November 2016 in Polokwane which South Africa won 2-1,” reads a statement issued by the organisation.

“According to FIFA, this decision follows the confirmation of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to uphold the lifetime ban of match referee, Jospeh Lamptey, for match manipulation, the ruling imposed by the FIFA Disciplinary and Appeal Committees.“

In their letter, FIFA further suggests that the match will be replayed within the November 2017 international window, with the exact date to be confirmed in due course.

“SAFA is studying the contents of the report and will issue a statement on intentions to challenge that decision.“

SAFA wishes to also state categorically that it was in no way involved with any wrongdoing related to the actions of the referee, as stated in the FIFA report.

“In the meantime, all issues related to this matter will be handled by senior counsel, Mr Norman Arendse.”

Source Daily Sports

Posted September 8, 2017