South African Football Association vows to appeal FIFA ruling on 3 points deduction

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has expressed disappointment over what it described as an “unprecedented” outcome of a FIFA disciplinary panel.

The football governing body deducted 3 points from the Bafana Bafana on Monday for fielding an ineligible player in a world cup qualifier against Lesotho.

In a statement on Monday, the association said the verdict was delivered by a single-member panel without providing reasons or allowing SAFA to present legal arguments.

“As SAFA, we are deeply disappointed with this unprecedented outcome noting that it was delivered by a single-member panel without reasons, and without affording the Association an opportunity to present legal arguments,” the statement read.

The association confirmed that it has requested written reasons for the judgment and intends to lodge a formal appeal with the FIFA Appeals Committee within the prescribed 10-day period under FIFA’s disciplinary rules.