The South African Football Association (SAFA) has acknowledged the decision by FIFA to dock the senior men’s national team 3 goals and 3 points in their match against Lesotho for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena.
The nation’s football-governing body said it is disappointed with the outcome of the ruling as it was delivered by a single-member panel without recourse to SAFA or any assign to present legal arguments.
Notwithstanding, it apologised to the nation for the “oversight”.
“We apologise to the nation for this administrative oversight and will reflect on the steps to take at the conclusion of our qualifying campaign,” SAFA said in a response to the ruling.
The ruling gives parties a 10-day opportunity to file an appeal.
Therefore, SAFA has served notice of taking advantage of this opportunity and appealing the decision.
“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.”
It called on the nation to rally behind the team in its remaining qualifies.
The Bafana Bafana were atop Group C with 17 points prior to the sanction.
They have dropped to second despite being on same points as Benin.
They play Zimbabwe and Rwanda in the final two qualifiers, both in South Africa.
