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Soccer-South Africa’s Zwane appeal dismissed, to miss Canada tie

By Thomson Reuters Jun 25, 2026 | 9:31 AM

June 25 (Reuters) – FIFA has dismissed South Africa’s appeal against a three-match suspension ​for midfielder Themba ‌Zwane, the country’s football association said on Thursday.

“We are disappointed with the outcome of our appeal ‌because ​we strongly ⁠believe that the ⁠punishment is far harsher than the offence that Themba is said to have committed,” ​the South African Football Association said in ⁠a statement.

• Zwane ⁠was sanctioned by FIFA’s ​disciplinary committee following a red ​card in South Africa’s opening ‌match of the 2026 World Cup against co-hosts Mexico last week.

• He will ⁠complete the suspension when South Africa face Canada in the last ⁠32 ‌in Los Angeles ⁠on Sunday.

• Midfielder Teboho ​Mokoena ‌will return to contention ​for ⁠that match after serving a one-game ban against South Korea.

(Reporting by Karan Prashant Saxena in Bengaluru; Editing by ​Hugh Lawson)