Cheetahs of Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has expressed concern over the timing of FIFA’s decision to dock South Africa three points, describing it as overdue.
FIFA announced on Monday that Lesotho had been awarded a 3-0 victory in the March 21 Group C qualifier after South Africa fielded midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who was ineligible due to suspension. Bafana Bafana had initially won the match 2-0.
The ruling reshuffles the group standings, putting Rohr’s Benin side top with 14 points. South Africa drop to second, also on 14 points, while Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Rwanda trail with 11 points apiece.
Reacting to the development on Brila FM, Rohr said, “The decision of FIFA to deduct three points from South Africa is a logical one but it’s coming very late, six months already that they had to do it. Now we have two games to play, two very difficult games away in Rwanda and against Nigeria in Uyo. South Africa play their last two games at home which means they will play seven home matches (in the qualifiers) out of 10 because Lesotho and Zimbabwe play their home matches in South Africa. But we will try to qualify and remain humble.”
Meanwhile, the South African Football Association has vowed to challenge FIFA’s sanction. In a statement released via citizen.co.za, the federation voiced disappointment and confirmed plans to appeal.
“As SAFA, we are deeply disappointed with this unprecedented outcome noting that it was delivered by a single-member panel without reasons, and without affording the Association an opportunity to present legal arguments,” the statement read.
“The Association confirms that we have requested written reasons for the judgment and intend to lodge a formal appeal with the FIFA Appeals Committee within the prescribed 10-day period under FIFA’s disciplinary rules.
“The Association emphasises its continued commitment to supporting Bafana Bafana in their qualification campaign. The players and the technical team have worked extremely hard to reach this stage, and we remain focused on ensuring they secure maximum points in the matches ahead. We apologise to the nation for this administrative oversight and will reflect on the steps to take at the conclusion of our qualifying campaign.”
