FIFA’s ruling on SAFA appeal to drag on – and on – until 2022!

FIFA appears willing to take its time – and then some – in announcing a verdict on the complaint lodged by SAFA regarding the recent 2022 Soccer World Cup qualifier against Ghana.

READ | WHO IS MAGUETTE NDIAYE? GET TO KNOW THE CONTROVERSIAL SENEGAL REFEREE

FIFA was initially meant to respond to SAFA’s appeal back on 23 November.

However, no word has been forthcoming – until now.

READ | KAIZER CHIEFS IN WITH CHANCE TO SIGN TOP FRANCE-BASED MIDFIELDER!

FIFA and CAF have postponed the draw for the next phase of Africa World Cup qualifying until next month.

Instead of being held on 18 December, it will now take place on 26 January, giving FIFA more time to investigate SAFA’s lengthy list of complaints.

Whether this represents good – or bad – news for SAFA, remains to be seen. However, it does leave Bafana Bafana in limbo somewhat.

READ | KHAMA BILLIAT SET FOR SENSATIONAL RETURN TO ZIMBABWE FOLD!

With AFCON set to take place in January / early February 2022, the next phase of qualifying can’t get under way until we have clarity on the Ghana v Bafana Bafana matter.

Should FIFA rule that the match needs to replayed (at a neutral venue ideally), both countries will need to be given adequate time to prepare.

After FIFA’s ruling, SAFA and Ghana could still protest

In the event of an unfavourable ruling, SAFA (and Ghana) will also retain the option of taking this case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) which would further delay proceedings.

READ | KAIZER CHIEFS TO RIVAL MAMELODI SUNDOWNS FOR TOP PSL PRIZE!

Ten countries will eventually proceed to the playoffs to ultimately determine the five nations to represent Africa at next year’s World Cup in Qatar.

As it currently stands, Algeria, Senegal, Morocco, Nigeria, Tunisia are in Pot A and they will be drawn in home-and-away matches against Egypt, Mali, Ghana (or South Africa), DR Congo and Cameroon.

READ | ORLANDO PIRATES LATEST: FINALLY! BUCCANEERS BAD BOYS SET FOR HUGE PSL RETURNS

Next year’s World Cup in Qatar will be held from November 21 to December 18, outside of the traditional June/July dates due in main to the weather conditions in the Middle East country.

READ | ONLY ONE TEAM IS YET TO WIN A HOME DSTV PREMIERSHIP MATCH!