South Africa Wants to Appeal Zwane's World Cup Ban, Citing Lionel Messi's Foul Against Algeria
FIFA said the 36-year-old can appeal after disciplinary officials extended his punishment for striking Roberto Alvarado in the face.
- On Wednesday, FIFA extended South Africa midfielder Themba Zwane's suspension to a three-match ban following his red card during the FIFA World Cup opener against Mexico last Thursday.
- Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio dismissed the 36-year-old Zwane after a VAR review showed his hand striking defender Roberto Alvarado in the face during South Africa's 2-0 defeat at Estadio Azteca.
- South Africa coach Hugo Broos accepted midfielder Sphephelo Sithole's dismissal but called Zwane's red card "too soft," arguing the Mexican player blocked his movement.
- The three-match suspension forces Zwane to miss Thursday's Group A game against the Czech Republic in Atlanta, though FIFA noted the decision remains subject to appeal.
- South Africa has never reached the knockout stage of the global showpiece, meaning the suspension effectively ends Zwane's tournament unless the team advances to the last 16.
57 Articles
57 Articles
FIFA World Cup 2026: South Africa to Appeal Against Zwane's Suspension, Coach Points out Lack of Action Against Messi
Get latest articles and stories on Sports at LatestLY. 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…
2026 World Cup: South Africa paying for xenophobic mobs - Shehu Sani
Former lawmaker, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Shehu Sani, has said that Bafana Bafana of South Africa are paying the price of their xenophobic mobs in the ongoing FIFA World Cup. Sani made this remark in a post on his verified X handle on Thursday. He was reacting to South Africa’s loss in the opening of the tournament. Recall that the South Africa side suffered a 2-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico in the opening match at the …
FIFA World cup: Bad news on Bafana Bafana superstar
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee confirmed the sanction on the Bafana Bafana ace on Wednesday. It followed after reviewing the incident that took place during South Africa’s opening match of the tournament on 11 June. THEMBA ZWANE TO MISS THREE BAFANA BAFANA MATCHES Zwane received a straight red card, leaving Hugo Broos’ side to finish the contest with a numerical disadvantage in a 2-0 defeat. Zwane received a straight red card for violent conduc…
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