Share

No deadline for Ethiopia probe

Johannesburg - Following Sunday night’s news that Bafana Bafana could be handed a Soccer World Cup lifeline due to FIFA’s investigation into Ethiopia, football’s world governing body say that they can not give an exact date of when the matter will be resolved.

The Black Lions are being investigated after they allegedly fielded an ineligible player in their win over Botswana earlier this year, and could well be docked three points, reigniting Bafana’s chances of making it to the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.

However, it remains to be seen when FIFA will come to their decision with regards to Ethiopia’s alleged wrongdoing, with a spokesperson for the organisation telling the Siya crew that they have not set a date.

VIDEO: Bafana own goal

GALLERY: Ethiopia v Bafana

FIFA said, “Unfortunately we can’t give a time frame for when it will be sorted. Every case is very different and all we can say is that we can give an update as soon as there is anything more that we can communicate. We know that it’s very important and that team’s qualifiers are still ongoing, it should be sorted before the next round.”

While the spokesperson could not confirm when a decision would be made, they did confirm that, if found guilty, Ethiopia are likely to forfeit their win against Botswana, as well as face a fine from FIFA.

The crew will continue to monitor the situation in order to see whether Bafana’s chances of qualifying for next year’s showpiece in Brazil are dead or alive.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1120 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1289 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 1983 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE