NB247
There is palpable uneasiness in the camp of South Africa as Equatorial Guinea’s appeal to overturn FIFA’s decision to deduct three points and three goals from their world Cup tally suffered at the Court of Arbitration, CAS.
They were punished for fielding an ineligible player in the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Equatorial Guinea defeated both Namibia and Liberia 1-0 in November 2023, but FIFA awarded their opponents technical 3-0 wins six months later, because they fielded Emilio Nsue, who scored the winner in both games.
Nsue was deemed ineligible to represent Equatorial Guinea over a decade of playing for them.
FIFA held that the striker never received clearance to formalise his switch from Spain, who he had represented at youth level.
After FIFA officially cleared Nsue to play for Equatorial Guinea in March this year, they decided to appeal the points deduction.
However, the ruling by CAS means that second place in the group – which could secure qualification for a continental play-off round – remains in Namibia’s hands.
This ruling has doubtless caused tension in the camp of South Africa.
In Group C of the African qualifying zone, Benin Republic will be hoping that FIFA and CAS will apply the same standard.
South Africa, who are currently top of Group C, fielded Teboho Mokoena in a match against Lesotho, despite the midfielder picking up two yellow cards in previous games.
Bafana Bafana lead with 17 points, while Benin Republic are second on 14 points.
There are fears that the delay in FIFA’s action against South Africa is closely linked to pressures from its influential football officials.
African football confederation is being led by a South African, thus fueling suspicions.
Teboho Mokoena, the offending player also features for Mamelodi Sundowns, a club owned by the CAF president.