Gernot Rohr: Ex-Super Eagles Coach Attacks FIFA, CAF Over Delay To Deduct 3 Points From South Africa
- Gernot Rohr has questioned why FIFA and CAF have not deducted South Africa’s points for fielding an ineligible player
- The delay leaves Group C in confusion, with Nigeria, Benin and Rwanda unsure of their qualification chances
- South Africa is currently top of Group C with 16 points, five points ahead of Benin, and six points above Nigeria
Benin Republic national team coach Gernot Rohr has slammed FIFA and CAF for failing to act on a disciplinary case involving South Africa for fielding an ineligible player.
Bafana Bafana are accused of fielding suspended midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their 2-0 win over Lesotho in March, an offence that should carry a three-point deduction.
Source: Getty Images
But months later, no ruling has been issued, leaving Group C undecided, with South Africa, who are top of the group, not entirely sure of their status.
Former Super Eagles coach Rohr, speaking after Benin’s narrow 1-0 win over Zimbabwe, expressed his frustration at the delay in deducting three points from South Africa, Daily Post reports.
“South Africa won against Lesotho? Okay, but the match that matters is the first leg, where they have to lose the three points. It is very clear. The rules are very, very clear.
“We don’t know why FIFA and CAF haven’t yet decided to take the points away from them. It is not normal. We don’t know where we stand.”
Rohr also summed up the frustration felt by his side and others chasing South Africa.
“We have 11 points after this match today. South Africa has to lose three points and then we will be only two points behind our opponent. What are they waiting for? I don’t know. It is incomprehensible.”
How will FIFA sanction affect Group C?
South Africa is currently top of Group C with 16 points after seven games, five points ahead of second-placed Benin, while Nigeria sit third with 10 points, as seen on FIFA.com.
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Source: Getty Images
But the entire group standings could shift dramatically if FIFA goes ahead to sanction Bafana Bafana for fielding an ineligible player.
A three-point deduction would cut South Africa’s lead at the top, bringing them level with Nigeria should the Super Eagles beat them on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Rohr’s Benin would also be right in the mix to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, sitting only two points behind Bafana Bafana.
Nigeria, Benin, Rwanda all waiting for FIFA
For Nigeria, a victory over South Africa on Tuesday put the Super Eagles closer to the top spot in Group C.
If FIFA confirm the points deduction, the group could be blown wide open, with Nigeria and Benin suddenly holding a genuine shot at overtaking South Africa.
Only the group winners automatically qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The four best runners-up across Africa’s nine groups will battle in a knockout playoff for a slot at the inter-confederation playoffs.
Oliseh details when FIFA will sanction South Africa
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that a former Nigerian international, Sunday Oliseh, has disclosed that South Africa is in trouble for fielding an ineligible player in the World Cup qualifiers.
Oliseh disclosed that it is only a matter of time before FIFA's hammer lands on South Africa.
Source: Legit.ng
