The Ghana Football Association General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo together with many Ghanaian football fans have taken to social media to celebrate after FIFA dismissed South Africa's protest for a replay of the 2022 World Cup qualifier.
South Africa wanted the crucial qualifier against Ghana in which they lost 1-0 replayed, and also protested about Senegalese referee Ndiaye Maguette.
South African Football Association (SAF) were convinced they had provided enough evidence to back their match manipulation claims and were confident of FIFA granting their request for a replay and also banning Maguette.
However the statement from the world governing body indicated their protest did not meet the requirements under art.46 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
“The protest lodged by South Africa has been declared inadmissible by the Disciplinary Committee as it did not meet the requirements foreseen under art. 46 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and art. 14 of the Regulations of the Preliminary Competition of the FIFA World Cup 2022,” FIFA said in a statement.
The decision is however subject to appeal, FIFA added.
The release of the verdict has seen most Ghanaian football fans in jubilate mood as the Black Stars secure a place in the play-offs.
This will be another double agony for the South Africans after the 1-0 defeat at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium last month.
God is the greatest Big thank you to all Ghanaians for the support
Ghana won the Protest against South Africa
— Prosper Harrison Addo, Esq (@PHAddo) December 3, 2021
Been told the Ghana FA may petition FIFA & CAF, on the conduct of South Africa in the events leading to the protest.
Ghana FA feels SAFA dragged Ghana ?? and world football's image in the mud by their irresponsible utterances and conduct and needs to be punished accordingly
— Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) December 3, 2021
It very necessary Ghana needs to make them an example for all. You cant just dug a whole nation in the mud cos you lost a soccer game.
— Kwaku Poku (@Kwaku_Opoku1) December 3, 2021
What were the South Africans thinking?
That FIFA would uphold their frivolous protest?
Milo will lead Ghana to Qatar 2022! pic.twitter.com/hIOTNjz2Gx
— Felix Kwakye Ofosu (@FelixKwakyeOfo1) December 3, 2021
Black Stars through to World Cup play offs????
Fifa have notified the Ghana Football Association that South Africa Football Association's protest on alleged match fixing has been quashed.
No replay of the World Cup qualifier!
— George Addo Jnr (@addojunr) December 3, 2021
FIFA says make South Africa football association take their nkwasia protest go! A big win for Ghana ??
— Mr. Pressdent?? (@Korsogyimi) December 3, 2021
BREAKING | FIFA has dismissed SAFA’s appeal to have the Bafana Bafana game vs Ghana replayed.
Massive blow, and that marks the end of the road to Qatar World Cup.
??? pic.twitter.com/XR5uSHQBAR
— TK_Nala (@NalaThokozane) December 3, 2021