FIFA has dismissed South Africa’s appeal against midfielder Themba Zwane’s three-match suspension, meaning he will miss Bafana Bafana’s FIFA World Cup last-32...
FIFA has dismissed South Africa’s appeal against midfielder Themba Zwane’s three-match suspension, meaning he will miss Bafana Bafana’s FIFA World Cup last-32 match against Canada.
South Africa will be without midfielder Themba Zwane for its FIFA World Cup last-32 match against Canada after FIFA dismissed the country’s appeal against his three-match suspension, the South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed on Thursday. The decision means Zwane will serve the final match of his suspension when Bafana Bafana face Canada in Los Angeles on Sunday.
SAFA announced the outcome of the appeal in a statement expressing disappointment with FIFA’s decision. The association said it believed the punishment imposed on the experienced midfielder was too severe compared to the offence that led to the suspension.
Advertisement
“We are disappointed with the outcome of our appeal because we strongly believe that the punishment is far harsher than the offence that Themba is said to have committed,” SAFA said in its statement.
Zwane received the suspension after being sent off during South Africa’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against co-hosts Mexico. FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee later extended the automatic one-match suspension to three matches following its review of the incident.
The dismissal of the appeal means Zwane will remain unavailable for South Africa’s knockout match against Canada. The midfielder has already served part of the suspension and will complete it during Sunday’s fixture in Los Angeles.
South Africa advanced to the Round of 32 after finishing second in Group A. The team secured qualification with a 1-0 victory over South Korea, while Mexico finished top of the group after winning all three of its matches.
Although Zwane will not be available, South Africa will receive a boost with the return of midfielder Teboho Mokoena. He is back in contention after serving a one-match suspension during the match against South Korea.
The decision leaves South Africa preparing for one of its biggest matches of the tournament without one of its experienced midfielders. However, the squad will now focus on the upcoming encounter against Canada as preparations continue ahead of the knockout fixture.
FIFA has not changed the disciplinary ruling following SAFA’s appeal, meaning the original sanction remains in place. The governing body’s decision closes South Africa’s attempt to reduce the suspension before the Canada match.
The Canada match will mark the final game of Zwane’s suspension. South Africa will now aim to progress further in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage without the midfielder, while Mokoena returns as an available option for selection.
