FIFA Orders Replay of Senegal vs South Africa World Cup Qualifier

World football governing body, FIFA has ordered that the November 12, 2016 Russia 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Senegal and South Africa be replayed following accusations of match fixing aided by the Referee.

The Bafana Bafana had claimed a 2-1 win last November after they were gifted a penalty by Ghanaian Referee Joseph Lamptey for a non-existent handball.

Players in action during Senegal vs South Africa World Cup Qualifier

FIFA’s order comes after a complaint was lodged over the unprofessional performance of Lamptey and was reviewed by the Zurich-based body.

FIFA had banned the Ghanaian for life in March and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has upheld the ban handed to Lamptey, meaning the result becomes invalid.

READ ALSO: 10 members of IPOB arrested in Abia State

Here is the statement released by FIFA. 

"The Bureau for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers ordered a replay of the qualification match between South Africa and Senegal held on 12 November 2016."

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

“The match will be replayed within the November 2017 international window, with the exact date to be confirmed in due course.

“As stated in the Fifa World Cup regulations, this decision shall come into effect immediately, but shall be subject to confirmation by the Organising Committee for Fifa Competitions at its next meeting, scheduled for 14 September.”

 

Senegalese Players protesting a penalty awarded by Referee Joseph Lamptey

With the cancellation of November 2016’s result, South Africa now have just one point in Group D of the World Cup Qualifiers and will have to face a Saido Mane-inspired Senegalese side and fight for three points available on a yet to be fixed date. 

READ ALSO: La Liga President Accuses PSG and Man City of Financial Doping

While the Senegalese Football Association has welcomed the ruling, their South African counterparts have denied any wrongdoing and will carefully study FIFA’s report before they decide on their next move.

In a statement, they said, “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 in any wrongdoing related to the actions of the Referee, as stated in the FIFA report”.

Feel free to share.