Burkina Faso Football Federation (FBF) are unhappy with FIFA’s decision to annul the South Africa vs Senegal World Cup qualifying clash of November 12, 2016, ordering for a fresh encounter after the official of the said game was found guilty of manipulations.
Ghanaian referee Joseph Lamptey has been slapped with a lifetime ban by Fifa for awarding an ‘imaginary’ penalty to South Africa, who eventually won the game 2-1.
A replay could alter the standing of Group D currently led on 6 points by Burkina Faso, whose FA claim such a ruling was uncalled for based on the world football governing body’s regulations.
“We shall be taking this matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Our committee on legal affairs is currently preparing the next line of action to take,” the FBF said in a communiqué on Sunday.
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“It’s appears fishy; why was the decision announced immediately after our 2-2 draw with Senegal on Tuesday?”
The FBF cites article 31 of Fifa’s rules and regulations concerning the replay of a match under ‘only’ three conditions: Impossibility of starting the match; interruption due to the behaviour of either of the two participating teams and force majeure.
According to the Burkina Faso football body, a referee’s conduct during a match does not fall under any of the above category to necessitate a replay, and that article 69 of the regulations does not allow the recall of a game in such conditions.
The communiqué, signed by the FBF assistant secretary general, Boubacar Yago, stressed that if Fifa fail to reverse the ‘replay’ decision, Burkina Faso will launch an official complaint to CAS.
Senegal, who now sit third in Group D with 5 points, could displace Burkina Faso from the summit if they carry off the replay and finish off with a win in their final game.
Burkina Faso have two matches left to play in the qualifiers while Senegal have three.
