Latest news with #FIFA2026WorldCup
The Star
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
SAFA may dodge sanctions despite Bafana Bafana's player suspension oversight
In a significant development that arose this week after all the airtime arising from their engagement with the Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture, the South African Football Association (SAFA) is on the verge of evading sanctions for a serious oversight. At the heart of the discussions was an incident involving Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena, whose suspension oversight could lead to severe repercussions for the association and their FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying aspirations. However, indications suggest that SAFA is likely to sidestep any penalties. This came after the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder was fielded in the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho even though he was suspended. He picked up two yellow cards in previous qualifiers against Benin and Zimbabwe and was not eligible to play against Lesotho. Bafana, who defeated Lesotho 2-0 in that game, lead Group C with a five-point gap over second-placed rivals Rwanda and Benin. The other group teams are Nigeria (seven points), Lesotho (six) and Zimbabwe (four). CAF's secretariat plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of its tournaments, including the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying. They ensure match officials are well-informed about suspended players in meetings with match and team officials before the start of matches. This structured approach allows designated match commissioners and referees to be aware of any players who are barred from participating, thus upholding fairness in competition. In the case of the SA versus Lesotho match, this was not done, and it was not known that Mokoena had incurred an automatic suspension. Members of parliament deplored this disturbing display of administrative oversight and Bafana's management was put through the wringer for failing to execute basic organisational duties. This significant error went unnoticed by both the team and opponents, Lesotho. Two days after this match, the Nigerian Football Federation reportedly alerted Lesotho officials to this critical oversight. Lesotho and Nigeria have not formally announced protests to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA regarding this contentious match. Despite the absence of an official filing, both nations are holding onto a flicker of hope that FIFA might intervene against the South Africans, sparking a potential firestorm in regional football politics. The window for protest submission has closed, as protests filed beyond the stipulated time frame are unlikely to be upheld, however, optimism lingers in both nations. The unresolved issues surrounding recent matches have left stakeholders in Lesotho and Nigeria questioning the integrity of competition and fairness within the African football sphere. A Nigerian-based football website has raised the Mokoena saga with monotonous regularity in the hope that CAF and FIFA will be strung into action. This has ignited fervent discussions in the football community across Africa. If CAF or FIFA intervened, it would affect the log positions of Nigeria, Lesotho, and South Africa. With only four rounds left in the qualifying matches, the possibility of FIFA's intervention has raised eyebrows as teams vie for a coveted spot in the 2026 World Cup. Changes in Nigeria and Lesotho's positions could emerge if SAFA is punished and this potential turn of events could drastically alter the landscape of the Group C World Cup qualifying rounds. Historically, FIFA has not shied away from taking stringent measures against teams that breach its rules, even in cases where there has not been an official complaint or protest lodged.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
SAFA may dodge sanctions despite Bafana Bafana's player suspension oversight
Teboho Mokoena's selection controversy haunts Bafana Bafana South Africa may escape sanction over the fielding of the suspended Teboho Mokoena as Lesotho missed the 24-hour deadline to report the matter to the match commissioner or CAF. | BackpagePix In a significant development that arose this week after all the airtime arising from their engagement with the Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture, the South African Football Association (SAFA) is on the verge of evading sanctions for a serious oversight. At the heart of the discussions was an incident involving Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena, whose suspension oversight could lead to severe repercussions for the association and their FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying aspirations. However, indications suggest that SAFA is likely to sidestep any penalties. This came after the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder was fielded in the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho even though he was suspended. He picked up two yellow cards in previous qualifiers against Benin and Zimbabwe and was not eligible to play against Lesotho. Bafana, who defeated Lesotho 2-0 in that game, lead Group C with a five-point gap over second-placed rivals Rwanda and Benin. The other group teams are Nigeria (seven points), Lesotho (six) and Zimbabwe (four). CAF's secretariat plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of its tournaments, including the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying. They ensure match officials are well-informed about suspended players in meetings with match and team officials before the start of matches. This structured approach allows designated match commissioners and referees to be aware of any players who are barred from participating, thus upholding fairness in competition. In the case of the SA versus Lesotho match, this was not done, and it was not known that Mokoena had incurred an automatic suspension. Members of parliament deplored this disturbing display of administrative oversight and Bafana's management was put through the wringer for failing to execute basic organisational duties. This significant error went unnoticed by both the team and opponents, Lesotho. Two days after this match, the Nigerian Football Federation reportedly alerted Lesotho officials to this critical oversight. Lesotho and Nigeria have not formally announced protests to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA regarding this contentious match. Despite the absence of an official filing, both nations are holding onto a flicker of hope that FIFA might intervene against the South Africans, sparking a potential firestorm in regional football politics. The window for protest submission has closed, as protests filed beyond the stipulated time frame are unlikely to be upheld, however, optimism lingers in both nations. The unresolved issues surrounding recent matches have left stakeholders in Lesotho and Nigeria questioning the integrity of competition and fairness within the African football sphere. A Nigerian-based football website has raised the Mokoena saga with monotonous regularity in the hope that CAF and FIFA will be strung into action. This has ignited fervent discussions in the football community across Africa. If CAF or FIFA intervened, it would affect the log positions of Nigeria, Lesotho, and South Africa. With only four rounds left in the qualifying matches, the possibility of FIFA's intervention has raised eyebrows as teams vie for a coveted spot in the 2026 World Cup. Changes in Nigeria and Lesotho's positions could emerge if SAFA is punished and this potential turn of events could drastically alter the landscape of the Group C World Cup qualifying rounds. Historically, FIFA has not shied away from taking stringent measures against teams that breach its rules, even in cases where there has not been an official complaint or protest lodged.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dallas leaders raise concerns with 2026 World Cup approaching
The Brief City of Dallas council members are raising concerns that they'd like to clean up ahead of Dallas hosting the FIFA World Cup. A Deloitte study estimates the economic impact for the region will be between $1.5 and $2.5 billion. The city manager said she will be sharing an updated plan on the city's plan to address homeless monitoring and enforcement later this week. The city of Dallas is working to make sure it's ready for the FIFA 2026 World Cup. Big picture view The city of Dallas was recently chosen to host the International Broadcast Center. Dallas will also be home to fan festivals and training camps. The city needs to focus on everything, from tackling homelessness to improving public transportation. Several city council members said their constituents want to know more about how they can be ready to step up. There is also concern about nuisance activity that could come along with an increase in tourists. The Executive Director of the Dallas Sports Commission says a Deloitte study estimates the economic impact for the region will be between $1.5 and $2.5 billion. What they're saying "Our goal is very simple: to make the FIFA World Cup in Dallas the most successful and safest World Cup ever," said Dallas City Manager, Kimberly Tolbert. Rosa Fleming, the Convention and Event Services Director for the City of Dallas, expressed the city council's need to inform constituents ahead of this global event. "The next meeting with FIFA will see if additional information we can get to help constituents get prepared," she said. Dallas City Councilman Jesse Moreno expresses the importance of businesses in the Dallas area being well-informed when it comes to doing business with FIFA. "I understand we don't know the needs currently. I want to make sure our businesses are equipped with the accreditations, with the process on knowing how to do business with FIFA," said Moreno. "We have a lot of restaurants acting as clubs and bars in our entertainment districts. I know our city attorney's office is reviewing that to curtail some of that activity." Another member of Dallas City Council Gay Donnell Willis expressed how the huge honor that comes with hosting the FIFA World Cup, also brings the downside of crime. "[There is] a lot of glory that comes with hosting these games and also upside for what it can mean for our community with all these global visitors, but it also brings a side that involves labor trafficking, sex trafficking," said Willis. Willis said she's also concerned about homes being turned into short-term rentals, like Airbnb and Vrbo, as the city's ordinance remains held up in court. "People who could be evicted so a home could be used as a short-term rental because of the exorbitant rent that could be gotten," said Willis. Dallas City Councilwoman Cara Mendelsohn wants the city to better tackle its homeless problem. "All of us could see scenes downtown that we would not want broadcast around the world, but what I would ask of you is that whatever is done is actually done citywide, that it's not only downtown, because these same scenes are available all over our city," said Mendelsohn. Mayor Pro Tem Tennel Atkins says DART must be prepared. "If we don't get the DART situation under control, we're going to be a failure because we cannot get people to the hotel, we cannot get people to the restaurant, we cannot get them to the game, we cannot get to the practices, to the shopping center. You will be a failure," said Atkins. While the Dallas Police Department announced no discretionary time off during the month of July. The interim Dallas fire chief, Justin Ball, said he will allow for time off as he believes Dallas Fire and Rescue will be prepared. Ball cites the October 2019 tornado that damaged 904 buildings stretching for 13 miles as a reference to his department's ability to prepare for the worst. "We were ready with our on-duty folks. We were prepared and didn't know it was coming. We will be good," said Ball. What's next The city manager said she will be sharing an updated plan on the city's plan to address homeless monitoring and enforcement later this week. The Source Information in this article comes from an April 2, 2025 Dallas City Council meeting.
Forbes
26-03-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Venezuela Wins And Argentina Qualifies For The FIFA 2026 World Cup
Salomon Rondon of Venezuela celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the South of American ... More FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier between Venezuela and Peru at Estadio Monumental de Monagas on March 25, 2025 in Maturin, Venezuela. (Photo by) Matchday 14 of South American FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying has come to a close and only two sides were victorious on this particular matchday: Argentina and Venezuela. Results mean that Argentina has now sealed its place at next summer's tournament whilst Venezuela can dare to dream of a first ever FIFA World Cup finals appearance. Venezuela is the only South American nation in history that still hasn't made it to a FIFA World Cup. That might change in 2026 though as a 1-0 victory over Peru sends Venezuela into seventh place in the South American rankings; the crucial play-off spot. A Salomón Rondón penalty sealed the three points and the player showed exactly what it meant to him when he was too emotional to even answer questions about the World Cup in his post-match interview. Colombia is still five points ahead, in the automatic qualification spot, but Venezuela still has to play in Barranquilla. Regardless, if the 'Vino Tinto' can at least secure a play-off spot then this is the closest it has ever been to reaching the biggest tournament in global sports. Defeat leaves Peru five points below Venezuela and with away fixtures against Colombia and Uruguay still to come, it likely spells the end of any World Cup aspirations. The player of Argentina, Enzo Fernandez, celebrates a goal during a South American qualifier match ... More for the 2026 FIFA World Cup between Argentina and Brazil at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on March 25, 2025. Argentina completely destroyed Brazil in Tuesday night's most high-profile fixture. Matheus Cunha's goal and overall performance was perhaps the only positive for the visitors. However for Argentina everything clicked, from the opening goal in the fourth minute, to the fourth goal from substitute Giuliano Simeone late on. Argentina had already officially qualified for the World Cup, but in defeating Brazil with such a scoreline the team also sent a message to the football world that they are ready to defend their crown. Read about what this result means for both teams in more detail here. EL ALTO, BOLIVIA - MARCH 25: José María Giménez of Uruguay and Carmelo Algarañaz of Bolivia battle ... More for the ball during the South of American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier between Bolivia and Uruguay at Estadio Municipal de El Alto on March 25, 2025 in El Alto, Bolivia. Bolivia's fortress 'El Alto' wasn't breached by Uruguay but there was no goal for the home team either. In fact, it's the first time that Bolivia has failed to score at home since a 3-0 defeat to Argentina in September 2023. This game against Uruguay finished before the other Tuesday night fixtures commenced and so confirmed Argentina's spot at the FIFA 2026 World Cup before the reigning champions kicked a ball against Brazil. A draw leaves Bolivia just a point behind Venezuela in the World Cup play-off spot; the two teams meet in the next international window in what is a huge fixture for both sides. Uruguay sit third in the table, six points above Venezuela. It's now nine games with only one victory for Marcelo Bielsa's men, but at least they have pretty much sealed World Cup qualification. Colombia's forward #07 Luis Diaz and Paraguay's midfielder #08 Diego Gomez fight for the ball during ... More the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Colombia and Paraguay at the Metropolitano Roberto Melendez stadium in Barranquilla, Colombia, on March 25, 2025. Colombia, much like fierce rivals Uruguay and Brazil, seem to be stuck at the final few hurdles of World Cup qualification. This draw came after the hosts were 2-0 up in the first half but now they have just one win from their last six outings, and three defeats in their last four. Despite Colombia 'throwing the lead away' the Paraguay performance probably deserved a point. The visitors had 21 shots to Colombia's 10, and Julio Enciso's equaliser was absolutely superb. In fact the Brighton midfielder very nearly scored a similar screamer in the first half. Unbeaten in eight games now, Paraguay has been on top form and deserves to be sitting comfortably at fifth in the table. Colombia sits in sixth, a point behind Paraguay and five ahead of Venezuela. However with home fixtures against Peru and Bolivia to come Colombia should secure qualification before visiting Venezuela on the final matchday. SANTIAGO, CHILE - MARCH 25: Felipe Loyola of Chile looks dejected after the South of American FIFA ... More World Cup 2026 Qualifier between Chile and Ecuador at Estadio Nacional de Chile on March 25, 2025 in Santiago, Chile. After this result Chile can probably kiss their World Cup dream farewell. 'La Roja' trail Venezuela by five points but still have to play Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay in three of the remaining four qualification games. Ecuador extends its unbeaten qualifying run to seven games, scoring seven and conceding just one goal during that impressive run. Sitting second in the table 'La Tricolor' can now begin to think about their fifth visit to a FIFA World Cup finals, all of which have come since their tournament debut in 2002.
Forbes
26-03-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Argentina Smashes Brazil 4-1 In FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifying
Julián Alvarez of Argentina celebrates with Thiago Almada of Argentina after scoring the team's ... More first goal during the South of American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier between Argentina and Brazil at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti. Final Score: Argentina4:1 Brazil. (Photo by Manuel Cortina/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Argentina officially qualified for the FIFA 2026 World Cup on Tuesday evening, just before taking the field against Brazil in Buenos Aires. This came thanks to a draw between Bolivia and Uruguay. However what followed clearly showed that Lionel Scaloni's men are not those who rest on their laurels. Just four minutes into the biggest international encounter in South America Julián Alvarez snuck into the box to open the scoring for hosts Argentina. This set the tone for what was to come on a night of jubilation for the current World Cup winners Argentina and despair for visiting Brazil. The game finished 4-1 to the hosts confirming their status as the world's best. The visitors hardly laid a glove on their opponents and have a lot to rectify before the FIFA 2026 World Cup. Raphinha of Brazil reacts during the South of American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier between ... More Argentina and Brazil at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on March 25, 2025 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by) Aside from being a high profile derby, sparks were set to fly in this match after Brazil winger Raphinha decided to speak out in an interview with Brazilian legend Romario that was released on Monday. The Barcelona forward used various profanities in Portuguese whilst suggesting that Brazil would win in Buenos Aires and that he would score. Romario's line of questioning didn't help but what surfaced from this chat was an aggressive rallying cry against Argentina. This created a storm on social media. It made Raphina look naive and gave Argentina's players an extra bit of motivation. That is the last thing you would want to give to this Argentina side. Raphinha's comments weren't a factor in the scoreline by any means but they poured fuel on the fire and have only magnified what is Brazil's worst defeat in World Cup qualifying history. Argentina's midfielder #17 Giuliano Simeone celebrates with his teammates Argentina's defender #16 ... More Nahuel Molina, Argentina's midfielder #08 Enzo Fernandez and Argentina's forward #09 Julian Alvarez after scoring his team's fourth goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Argentina and Brazil at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on March 25, 2025. Argentina provided us with a monumental performance on the night. Lionel Messi was absent but that wasn't a problem for the team; a fantastic sign for the future. Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martínez was also missing through injury but the likes of Julián Alvarez and Alexis Mac Allister have proved stand-out performers in a team that has been wonderfully constructed by Lionel Scaloni to be even greater than the sum of its parts. The young talent breaking into this squad is a reason for Argentina fans to be excited too. Thiago Almada has shown during this international break that he is ready to compete at the highest level of international football. Substitute Giuliano Simeone also impressed. He is a work-horse with an eye for goal and the exact type of 'squad player' that can help an international team to win trophies. Argentina has them in abundance and Scaloni has proved he is the perfect man to get the best out of everybody he calls up to the national team. Argentina's midfielder #07 Rodrigo De Paul celebrates their victory at the end of the 2026 FIFA ... More World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Argentina and Brazil at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on March 25, 2025. Rodrigo De Paul said after the game 'for five or six years we have been the best team in international football. We have to enjoy this because it isn't easy to achieve.' 15 months out from the tournament, might Argentina become just the third international team in history to win back-to-back World Cups? Only Italy in 1934 and 1938 and then Brazil in 1958 and 1962 have achieved such a feat. In the context of international football cycles the World Cup is close now, and we can begin to analyse how the big teams are shaping up. Argentina hasn't done much wrong since lifting the last title in 2022, perhaps the team is even stronger now. Argentina's emphatic 4-1 victory at home to Brazil means first place in the South American qualifying table with an eight-point advantage over second place Ecuador. Between Ecuador in second and Colombia in sixth, only three points separate five teams. Those five nations have all been competitive but inconsistent during this campaign. Argentina has set the tone with just one or two brief wobbles. The 2022 World Cup Final is the last time Argentina faced European opposition. On the day a Kylian Mbappe inspired France very nearly completed what would have been the most historic and heartbreaking comeback in football history. However Emiliano Martínez's last second save and penalty shoot-out heroics were as era-defining as Lionel Messi's World Cup masterclass and Argentina won its third World Cup title. LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Adidas Golden Ball winner Lionel Messi (L) and adidas Golden Glove ... More winner Emiliano Martinez (R) of Argentina pose at the award ceremony following the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. Such glory would be enough to please any team, nation or indeed entire generation, but Argentina has kept up the momentum since then. As the next tournament draws closer and closer, you get the sense that the cup holders can smell blood once more. Why not do it all over again? Argentina hasn't given us a reason to doubt since Qatar. On the contrary; the team has consolidated its position as the most consistent national team on the planet and added another Copa America title to the trophy cabinet. The prospect of Argentina taking on the likes of Spain, France or Germany in the latter rounds of the World Cup next summer is quite frankly mouth-watering. At this exact moment, Lionel Messi's men must be considered favorites to retain the title. With or without the little magician Scaloni and his team have proved that they are winners over the last few years. Crucially also; this team is a band of brothers. They have built up the relationship of a club squad that spends every day together without having such a luxury and that relationship is obvious when they take to the field. Brazil's forward #19 Endrick and Brazil's forward #07 Vinicius Jr acknowledge the fans at the end of ... More the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Argentina and Brazil at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on March 25, 2025. The mood on the ground in Brazil surrounding the national team has not been very positive for some time now, and defeat in such fashion to Argentina has only compounded the misery. Neymar's absence, management incompetence and a lack of clear starters and tactics has the whole country lamenting the current era of the 'Seleção.' Real Madrid superstars Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo have been singled out for not replicating their club form with the national team. The defence has let in 16 goals in 14 qualifiers (more than any other of the top six teams,) and now many are questioning whether manager Dorival Júnior should be allowed to continue as coach ahead of the World Cup. Having said that, Brazil has got time and Brazil has got talent. Whether under a new coach or not, 15 months is a sufficient period for Brazil to fix some of their on-field issues. Brazil played poorly against Argentina, yes. Brazil has played poorly for too long now, absolutely. However, last week against Colombia this squad showed some real signs of life and the team has done enough to qualify for the World Cup despite not reaching anything like its full potential. Defeat against World Champions Argentina, in Buenos Aires, without key players like Alisson Becker, Gabriel Magalhães, Bruno Guimarães and Neymar shouldn't suggest that Brazil can't get things right on time to compete at the 2026 World Cup. When you have won a record five World Cup titles and you are used to the likes of Pelé, Romário and Ronaldo Nazário it doesn't take much to signal a crisis. Brazil has major points to address regarding its national team but before Tuesday night it was five qualifiers unbeaten and things were finally looking up. Pride will be hurting, but Brazil shouldn't despair too much. The situation isn't great, but it could be a lot worse. The FIFA World Cup trophy is displayed during an event in New York after an announcement related to ... More the staging of the FIFA World Cup 2026, on June 16, 2022. - Mexico City's iconic Azteca Stadium and the Los Angeles Rams' multi-billion-dollar SoFi Stadium were among 16 venues named on June 16 to stage games at the 2026 World Cup being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
