World football governing body, FIFA, has asked the Ghana Football Association to submit comments on the South African Football Association’s protest over the Black Stars’ 1-0 win against the Bafana Bafana in a 2022 World Cup qualifying match played on November 14.
The South Africans lodged a complaint to FIFA and asked them to investigate the game which they believe was manipulated.
FIFA has confirmed receipt of the protest and will refer the matter to its Disciplinary Committee for hearing and ruling on November 23, 2021.
“… we wish to inform the South African Football Association as well as the Ghana Football Association that the above-mentioned protest will be submitted to a member of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee on 23 November 2021 for consideration and decision in accordance with art. 14 (9) of the Regulations FIFA World Cup 2022TM, Preliminary Competition as well as arts. 46 and 54 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC),” a statement by FIFA said.
“The Ghana Football Association has the opportunity to provide the secretariat of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee with any comments it deems appropriate on the aforementioned protest, if any, by 20 November 2021 at the latest, along with any document deemed necessary,” it added.
Daniel Amartey was brought down in the first half following a tussle inside the South Africa box and Senegalese referee Ndiaye Maguette awarded a penalty. Andre Ayew converted to send Ghana through to the play-off stage of the African World Cup qualifiers.
South Africa, who would have progressed in Ghana’s stead with a draw, contend the decision was incorrect and have gone ahead to accuse the referee of manipulating the game and have asked FIFA to investigate.
A link, with details of evidence tabled by SAFA, per FIFA would be relied on to award a decision.
