South Africa could not train at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny in Abidjan for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Benin on Monday.
As mandated by FIFA, the visiting team is always allowed to train at the match venue a day before a game.
But the Bafana Bafana were denied the opportunity to train at the venue for the upcoming clash.
South Africa were informed they could not access the pitch because of the clash between Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.
However, Hugo Broos, the head coach of South Africa swiftly condemned the decision,
Broos condemned the decision, questioning the fairness of the ruling. questioning the fairness of the laws of the game.
“I’m really not satisfied with the decision that we can’t have a pre-match training in the stadium where the game takes place. I think this is a FIFA rule, and it is not being followed,” Broos stated.
The Belgian tactician suggested that Benin may have already trained at the venue before Bafana Bafana’s arrival, raising further concerns about an uneven playing field.
South Africa leads Group C with 10 points, two ahead of Benin, who squandered a 2-0 lead to draw against Zimbabwe. A win against Benin in Abidjan on Tuesday will keep Bafana Bafana in pole position, with crucial fixtures against Nigeria, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Rwanda in the pipeline.
