South Africa to Appeal Three-Match Suspension Handed to Zwane by Fifa
South Africa will challenge FIFA’s ruling after the disciplinary committee turned Zwane’s red card into a three-match suspension.
- The South African Football Association will appeal the three-match suspension FIFA imposed on midfielder Themba Zwane, South Africa coach Hugo Broos confirmed on Wednesday ahead of Thursday's match in Atlanta.
- FIFA's disciplinary committee upgraded Zwane's standard one-match suspension to three matches after he received a red card for slapping Mexico's Roberto Alvarado during South Africa's 2-0 opening loss on June 11.
- Broos argued the ban is excessive, noting that Lionel Messi escaped punishment for a tackle against Algeria on Tuesday despite VAR reviewing Zwane's incident but ignoring Messi's.
- Regardless of the appeal, Zwane and teammate Sphephelo Sithole remain suspended for Thursday's must-win match against Czechia, leaving the team shorthanded following their opening defeat.
- Both South Africa and the Czechs seek their first points after losing their openers, with the winner moving closer to qualifying for the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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‘There was not even VAR on Messi!’: SAFA to appeal Themba Zwane’s three-match ban
The South African Football Association is going to appeal Themba Zwane’s three-match ban from the red card he received in the 2-0 loss to Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
FIFA World Cup 2026: South Africa to appeal against Zwanes suspension, coach points out lack of action against Messi - The Tribune
Zwane was shown a red card during the 84th minute of his side's campaign opener against Mexico, reducing South Africa to nine men during their 2-0 loss and was later slapped with a three-match ban for violent conduct. On the other hand, during Argetina's campaign opener against Algeria, no action was taken against Messi even when he stamped on the back of Aissa Mandi's leg, which Broos feels is a double standard in officiation as he pointed out …
"Look at Messi, No Red Cards." South Africa Coach Hugo Bros Explodes with Anger. The Final Match Against Korea Is a Crucial Turning Point. On-site Interview in Atlanta. Atlanta, USA = Sports Chosun Reporter Kim Ga-eul. Cornered and pushed to the brink, South Africa's World Cup national team coach Hugo Bros finally lost his temper. South Africa... at 1:00 AM on the 19th (KST) in Atlanta, USA...
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dispatchlive.co.zaSouth Africa to appeal three-match suspension handed to Zwane by Fifa
South Africa will appeal the three-match suspension handed out to midfielder Temba Zwane by Fifa
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