NFF Dismisses Reports Of FIFA Clearing South Africa Over Player Ineligibility Controversy

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed reports indicating that FIFA has cleared South Africa of immoderate wrongdoing successful the subordinate ineligibility saga involving Teboho Mokoena.

Ademola Olajire, the NFF’s Director of Communications, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) successful Abuja connected Wednesday that nary authoritative connection has been received from FIFA regarding the matter.

“There has been nary authoritative connection to that effect. What radical are reporting is simply a tweet from their (FIFA) X account. We bash not see that arsenic authoritative communication,” helium explained.

South Africa’s Bafana Bafana were astatine hazard of facing FIFA sanctions aft midfielder Mokoena was fielded successful a World Cup qualifier against Lesotho, contempt having received 2 yellowish cards earlier successful the campaign.

According to FIFA regulations, players who person 2 yellowish cards successful abstracted matches are taxable to a one-match suspension; however, Mokoena participated successful the consequent game, which South Africa won 2-0.

In response, Lesotho lodged a ceremonial protest, requesting that FIFA grant them a 3-0 triumph and deduct 3 points from South Africa.

Now six months later, FIFA was yet to contented a ceremonial decision, and the prolonged uncertainty has caused complications successful the CAF World Cup qualifying Group C standings.

NAN reports that if Lesotho’s protestation is upheld, South Africa volition beryllium stripped of the lucifer triumph and 3 points, portion Lesotho would beryllium granted a 3-0 triumph and 3 points.

Conversely, if FIFA finds the protestation invalid oregon improperly filed, South Africa could evade penalties and clasp their 17 points.

As it stands, Nigeria indispensable ore connected securing victories successful their upcoming matches, portion awaiting FIFA’s verdict.

Following Nigeria’s 1-1 gully with South Africa connected Tuesday, the Super Eagles presently beryllium successful 2nd spot successful the array with 11 points from 8 matches. Their adjacent fixture is an distant lucifer against Lesotho astatine the Toyota Stadium successful Bloemfontein, South Africa, connected 10 October, earlier concluding their run connected 16 October against the Benin Republic successful Uyo.

At present, South Africa holds a beardown presumption astatine the apical of the radical with 17 points from 8 matches, portion second-placed Benin Republic trails with 14 points.

Fourth-placed Rwanda is tied connected 11 points with Nigeria, portion Lesotho (6 points) and Zimbabwe (4 points) circular retired the six-team table.