The secretary general of Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) Mokhosi Mohapi says they are hopeful that FIFA will stick by it rules and deduct points from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Lesotho were beaten 2-0 by South Africa who fielded an ineligible player in Teboho Mokoena, who was supposed to be suspended for the game after picking up two yellow cards in previous games.
Reports were rife in South Africa about Lesotho not pursuing an appeal due to the fact that they have lost time to make, because such appeal must be made within a stipulated time as stated by FIFA.
Mohapi rubbished the claims saying FIFA should protect the integrity of the game by living to their rules, and deduct points from South Africa like they have done in previous similar cases.
“First of all, you should understand that the Lesotho Football Association is a member of Fifa, who is in good standing, and therefore we are obligated to protect the integrity of sports,” Mohapi said in an interview with Newzroom Afrika.
“We are also obligated to assist Fifa in protecting the integrity of the game. Now, we are merely saying to Fifa, ‘Live and die by your regulations’. If you have precedence where you have deducted points before on matters that are very similar to the subject today, do so. So then we know your notion of fair play is applied irrespective of who is the perpetrator in this instance.
“If Fifa finds that they have instances before, deducted points, and allocated somewhere, I just say they must do it now without looking at technicalities,” he added.
“But we are merely helping Fifa as a bona fide member in good standing that lives and dies by your regulations. Be seen to apply the notion of fair play consistently.
He went further to also say they are not being influenced by Nigeria to pursue a case, rather they are only seeking for justice which they believe FIFA will grant.
“I must be honest with you (in regard to whether there are talks with the Nigeria Football Federation joining as an interested party). If I were to talk with the Nigerian Football Federation, I would talk with Dr. (Mohammed) Sanusi, who is the secretary-general. I have not spoken to him ever since in Egypt,” Mohapi clarified.
Ade Emmanuel
