South Africa coach Hugo Broos has admitted his shock and disappointment after FIFA docked his team three points and three goals for fielding an ineligible player, while alleging that there was “a lot of lobbying behind the scenes” to get this decision.
“I was down, I didn’t expect it (FIFA decision), certainly not the way it went,” Broos admitted.
“How can you have three meetings of sanctions by FIFA and there was no mention of South Africa and a day after the last meeting we got a letter from FIFA saying the case has been reopened?
“That was very strange.
“That means that there was a lot of lobbying behind the scenes, that’s for sure.
“We’re not happy to receive these sanctions, but in another way we did something that was not allowed and now we’re punished for it.”
Broos also raised concerns that the fans are now doubting the chances of the country qualifying for next year’s World Cup.
“People are now doubting us that we will not qualify any more. They believe Benin will win their remaining two matches. This is ridiculous. But I don’t think it will happen especially their last game – Nigeria vs Benin,” he said.
“We have to focused on the games and we now have to go for two victories (vs Zimbabwe, Rwanda).”
