Zurich - FIFA has issued referee Joseph Lamptey with a life ban after he awarded a disputed penalty for South Africa against Senegal in a Soccer World Cup qualifying match.
The Ghanaian official gave a penalty for a non-existent handball against Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly. The replays clearly showed the ball struck Koulibaly's knee and then dropped to the ground.
Bafana Bafana scored the penalty kick to take a 1-0 on the 42nd minute in Polokwane last November. The home team went on to beat Senegal 2-1 and is now in second place in the four-team group after two matches. Senegal is third.
FIFA says it will give more details of the case "once the decision becomes final and binding."
Lamptey can appeal to FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport.