adminSOUTH Africa’s friendly win over Spain last week will be considered a full international despite the world and European champions fielding more than the permitted number of substitutes, soccer’s governing body Fifa said yesterday. “Fifa can confirm that the South Africa-Spain friendly match … remains an ‘A’ international, despite the fact that Spain allegedly used more than the maximum of six substitutes that the laws of the game stipulate can be used for such a match,” said Fifa in a statement.
“Fifa have taken into account that both teams had agreed on the conditions of the match and submitted the necessary documentation prior to the match in order for Fifa to confirm it as an ‘A’ international.
“In this context, South Africa shall not suffer any negative consequences on its part for adhering to the agreed conditions and only using up to a maximum of six substitutes during the match.”
The match would also be included in the November edition of the World Ranking, the statement said.
“Regarding the alleged incident of Spain using more than the maximum of six substitutes, Fifa is currently analysing the information at our disposal to assess possible next steps,” it added.
Bernard Parker’s second-half goal gave South Africa, who have missed out on the next World Cup, a 1-0 win at a half-empty Soccer City in Johannesburg.
Match officials allowed Pepe Reina to come on for injured goalkeeper Victor Valdes after Spain had already made their six permitted changes, much to the chagrin of South Africa coach Gordon Igesund whose protests were waved away.
Bafana Bafana’s Fifa ranking has not changed, despite a win over world champions Spain.
Their 3-0 win over Swaziland was also included.
Bafana were 61st in world rankings released on 17 October, on 554 points, and remain in exactly the same position this month.
South Africa are also 11th in Africa.
This despite their 1-0 win over world champions Spain, who remain top of the rankings.
In fact, the top four ranking positions are unchanged, with Germany in second, followed by Argentina and Colombia. Portugal are up nine places to fifth, while Brazil move back into the top 10, displacing England who fall to 13th.
Cote d’Ivoire stay top of the Africa rankings, followed by Ghana, Algeria and Nigeria – unchanged from last month – with Egypt displacing Mali in fifth.-Kickoff.
Online Reporter