FIFA Ruling Fallout: SAFA Expresses Disappointment, Prepares Appeal

FIFA Ruling Fallout: SAFA Expresses Disappointment, Prepares Appeal

Sampson Adedeji

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has voiced strong dissatisfaction with FIFA’s ruling against Bafana Bafana, describing it as unfair and lacking due process, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

According to SAFA, the decision was issued by a single-member panel without written justification and without granting the federation an opportunity to present its legal arguments.

“As SAFA, we are deeply disappointed by this unprecedented decision, especially as it was made by a single-member panel, without justification and without giving the Association the chance to present its legal position,” the federation stated.

SAFA confirmed that it has formally requested written reasons for the verdict and will lodge an appeal with FIFA’s Appeals Committee within the mandatory 10-day window.

Despite the setback, the federation reiterated its commitment to Bafana Bafana’s qualification campaign and urged fans to rally behind the team in their upcoming fixtures against Zimbabwe on October 10 in Durban and Rwanda on October 14 in Mbombela.