FIFA have reportedly downgraded South Africa’s 1-0 win over Spain on Tuesday night to a practice match, after substitution rules were broken.
With the maximum of six changes already made according to Category A match rules, La Roja saw Victor Valdes go off with an injury.
Whilst Alvaro Arbeloa appeared likely to take up the goalkeeping position, the match officials allowed Spain to make a seventh substitution, to bring on Pepe Reina in Valdes’ place.
Sources close to South African outlet EWN Sport report now that FIFA have acted to downgrade the match to an unofficial capacity, meaning that ranking points earned – 13 for South Africa – and caps for the players involved will not be counted.
The South African Football Association yesterday stated their belief that they should not be punished for a refereeing error.
