South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has expressed his frustration after his team was denied the opportunity to train at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin on Tuesday.
As per FIFA regulations, teams are allowed a 60-minute training session at the match venue the day before the game.
However, due to another World Cup qualifier between Ivory Coast and Gambia taking place at the stadium on Monday night, both South Africa and Benin were unable to hold their prematch sessions there.
Broos, speaking via a statement released by the South African Football Association, criticized the decision, arguing that FIFA’s own rules were not being followed.
“I have to tell you I’m not satisfied with the decision that we can’t have a prematch training in the stadium where the game takes place,” Broos said via a SA Football Association press release on Monday.
“This is a Fifa rule that every team has the right to have a preliminary training of 60 minutes in the stadium where you play [on the day] before the game.
“I understand it because there is another game, but this is bad when people who make the rules don’t follow the rules.
“Will that have an influence on the game? I don’t know. But I know if tomorrow [Tuesday] after the game I’m not at the press conference, there will be a sanction. So we have to follow the rules.
South Africa currently leads Group C with 10 points and will be looking to maintain their position with a victory over second-placed Benin, who have eight points.
However, with Nigeria sitting fourth on six points, Broos’ men are aware that any slip-up could complicate their qualification hopes.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 18:00 South African time.
