SAFA vs Ghana saga: SAFA boss Danny Jordaan hits out at FIFA ahead of ruling

Published on: 02 December 2021

South African Football Association (SAFA), President Danny Jordaan has hit out at  FIFA’s disciplinary committee ahead of their ruling regarding SAFA's complaint.

Senegalese Referee Ndiaye Maguette was at the centre of controversy when he awarded a dubious penalty to Ghana in the first half which Andre Ayew converted, sending Ghana to the playoff round.

SAFA is seeking a replay and also pressing for Maguette to be handed a lifetime ban from officiating which will include next year's World Cup.

“FIFA issued a statement saying they would give us a decision on November 23,” Danny Jordaan told TimesLIVE on Sunday.

“What is the date today? It is November 28 isn’t it? The question is why have they [Fifa] not even communicated with us? Why?"

“The statutes of Fifa say they must protect the integrity of their competitions," continued Jordaan.

“So I think the matter has become more serious now. Ghana initially said our protest was frivolous. It is really strange that a federation attacks another in the manner they did. It is strange that they held a press conference and they attacked Safa.

“But the thing is we never accused them of anything. We wanted the referee, Maguette Ndiaye, to be investigated.

“They must explain to people around the world that the matter is a lot more complicated than they originally thought and they need more time to consider their decision. Remaining silent for so many days without any form of communication is not the way to go here.

“The fact that they [haven’t announced a decision] means there are other issues at play here. We asked Fifa for a thorough investigation [into Ndiaye’s conduct]. Other people [who are not South Africans] have come forward and added more information.”