FIFA Dismisses SAFA Appeal Over Zwane World Cup Ban

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed that its appeal against Themba Zwane’s three-match suspension has been dismissed by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.

SAFA lodged an appeal after Zwane was handed a three-match ban following his red card in South Africa’s opening match against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on 11 June.

Zwane was sent off in the second half after striking Mexico midfielder Gilberto Mora. The incident occurred as Zwane attempted to play a quick one-two but found his path blocked. He reacted by making contact with Mora’s face, prompting a VAR review, after which the referee issued a red card.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee subsequently imposed a three-match suspension.

Zwane has already missed South Africa’s group-stage matches against the Czech Republic and South Korea.

“We are disappointed with the outcome of our appeal because we strongly believe that the punishment is far harsher than the offence Themba is alleged to have committed,” SAFA said in a statement.

In the same match against Mexico, Sphephelo Sithole was also sent off. However, he returned from suspension to deliver an impressive performance against South Korea in Bafana Bafana’s final Group A fixture at Estadio Monterrey on Thursday, where Thapelo Maseko scored the winning goal in a historic 1-0 victory.

Zwane will serve the final match of his suspension when Bafana Bafana take on 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32 in Los Angeles on Sunday, 28 June.

There is, however, good news for Hugo Broos, with midfielder Teboho Mokoena returning to contention after serving his one-match suspension during the victory over South Korea.

Bafana Bafana are expected to return to their base camp in Pachuca, Mexico, this morning before travelling to Los Angeles, United States, for their Round of 32 showdown against Canada.