World Football governing body FIFA have thrown out SAFA’s appeal against Bafana Bafana vice-captain Themba Zwane’s three-match suspension at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Mamelodi Sundowns skipper was red-carded during Bafana’s World Cup opener against Mexico on June 11. Initially, he was suspended for just one game against the Czech Republic.
But his sanctions were upgraded to three games, and he has so far served the punishment by being unavailable for the Czech Republic tie and Thursday’s final group match against South Korea. With Bafana having reached the Round of 32, Zwane will now also miss the match against Canada in Los Angeles on Sunday.
The veteran midfielder will be hoping Bafana beat the Canadians and advance to the Last 16. Should that happen, he will be available for the round of 16 fixture, given he will not be injured at training.
However, Zwane’s absence has not been felt much in Bafana’s last two games, especially with Orlando Pirates midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng rising to the occasion as a playmaker. But with Bafana having progressed to a more demanding stage of the World Cup, they might require Zwane’s experience.
NO REPRIEVE FOR BAFANA AS FIFA THROWS OUT THEMBA ZWANE APPEAL
SAFA has expressed disappointment at the outcome of the appeal and felt “that the punishment is far harsher than the offence that Themba is said to have committed.”
The South African Football Association’s appeal against Bafana Bafana midfielder Themba Zwane’s three-match suspension has been dismissed by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.
Zwane is serving a three-match suspension he was handed by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee following the red card he received in the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening game against tournament co-hosts Mexico last week.
Zwane will serve his final match on the sidelines when Bafana Bafana face 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosts Canada in the Last 32 in Los Angeles on Sunday, 28 June 2026. Midfielder Teboho Mokoena returns to the selection fold after serving his own one-match suspension during the game against South Korea.
“Bafana Bafana will return to their base camp in Pachuca, Mexico, this morning before heading to Los Angeles, United States of America, ahead of the Last 32 showdown against Canada.
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