The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has refuted claims in some sections of the Nigerian media that FIFA won’t be deducting three points, three goals from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player.
South Africa fielded an ineligible player in Teboho Mokoena in their 2-0 win over Lesotho in March, a game he was supposed to miss due to the fact that he has picked two red cards in previous games of the qualifiers. An act which is usually punished with a three points, three goals deduction.
Citing a social post from FIFA where it was said that FIFA’s statement on South Africa qualifying for the world cup, if Nigeria fails to beat them and Benin Republic falls to Lesotho. It was interpreted as an escape for South Africa.
” It’s not true. FIFA hasn’t communicated to us yet on the issue but we know the rules, because we also lost three points, three goals for playing an ineligible player in 2018. They haven’t changed the rule so we know what we are expecting them to do”, Spokesman of the NFF Ademola Olajire told OwnGoalNigeria.com.
Also a source who is familiar with such issue after working on a similar case for Cape Verde in their failed attempt to overturn a three points, three goals deduction for fielding an ineligible player said such cases are handled before the final round of games.
” Unless if it happened in the last game like was the case between Cape Verde and Tunisia, Algeria vs Nigeria. Every decision on point deduction is usually taken before the last games of the qualifiers or playoff. So Nigerians should keep calm and not believe any reports going round”, he said.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
