Fifa bans South African midfielder 3️⃣ games after red by Brazilian ref

Fifa bans South African midfielder 3️⃣ games after red by Brazilian ref

FIFA has confirmed a three-match suspension for South African attacking midfielder Zwane.

According to world football’s governing body, Themba Zwane’s three-match ban is due to a violation of Article 14 of its disciplinary code.

The player had been sent off in the team’s World Cup opener, during the 2-0 defeat to Mexico.

Zwane came on in the 15th minute of the second half and was shown a straight red card in the 38th minute after striking Mexican player Alvarado in the face while challenging for the ball.

The match referee was Brazilian official Wilton Pereira Sampaio, who sent off two South African players over the course of the game.

The decision caused strong dissatisfaction within the team’s coaching staff.

Coach Hugo Broos described Zwane’s sending-off as "excessive," arguing that the incident was the result of the opponent’s block and not a deliberate act of aggression.

If the punishment is upheld — the South African federation is still considering a possible appeal — Zwane will miss the entire group stage.

The midfielder would only be available to the coaching staff again in a possible round-of-16 match, also missing a potential playoff-round game if South Africa advances in the competition.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.