Tanzanian giants Yanga SC have officially lodged a complaint with CAF, following their Champions League exit on Friday night.
This comes after Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Young Africans 3-2 on penalties following a 0-0 draw after extra time to qualify for the CAF Champions League semi-finals.
Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams was the toast of the day as he saved two penalties last night.
In the first leg, the Brazilians were held to a goalless draw by stubborn Yanga away from home last Saturday.
Yanga are contesting that there was match-fixing in their loss to Bafana Ba Style at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, as the VAR disallowed Stephane Aziz Ki’s 59th minute strike.
WHAT IS YANGA SC’S COMPLAINT?
“We, the undersigned, representing Young Africans Sports Club hereby submit this contest in accordance with Rule XVI of the CAF Champions League Regulations as amended from time to time,” read the statement.
“The contest pertains to a possible administrative error and match-fixing incident during the quarter-final match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Young Africans Sports Club played on the 5th April 2024 at Tshwane-Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa.”
YANGA’S REASONS FOR COMPLAINT
1. Incident Description
During the match, in the 57th minute, Young Africans Sports Club Player Aziz Ki Stephane [jersey no. 10] scored a clear goal which was denied by the entire team of referees led by Mr. Dahane Beida from Mauritania. Despite the availability of Video Assistant Referee [VAR] technology, Mr. Beida and his team, including Mr. Daniel Ayi [Video Assistant Referee from Ghana] and Mr. Jerson Dos Santos [Assistant VAR from Angola], intentionally neglected to review the goal incident through VAR, thereby disregarding the principles of fair play and justice in football.
2. Allegations
We allege that the aforementioned actions by the referee team indicate a deliberate match-fixing. This is further supported by the selective use of VAR, primarily focusing on fouls committed by Young Africans Sports Club for potential red cards, while ignoring a legitimate goal-scoring opportunity.
3. Concerns Raised
It is concerning that despite substantial investments in VAR technology, its role in ensuring fairness and accuracy in critical match decisions was not upheld. This incident raises questions about the integrity of refereeing standards and the effectiveness of VAR in upholding fair play principles in football competitions.
4. Request for investigation
We request an investigation into this matter by the CAF to undercover any evidence of administrative error or match-fixing. Such actions are detrimental to the spirit of the game and must be addressed promptly to maintain the credibility of football competitions under CAF.
5. Remedial Actions Sought
In light of the above, we urge CAF to take appropriate remedial actions. This may include but are not limited to Conducting a detailed review of the match footage and VAR records, Holding accountable any individuals found responsible for misconduct or negligence, Implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in future matches, as well as any other relief you may consider fair and appropriate to grant under Rule XVI [3] of CAF Champions League Regulations, as amended from time to time.
We remain committed to upholding the principles of fair play, transparency, and integrity in football, and trust that CAF will take decisive steps to address this matter and uphold the values of the sport.
WHAT YANGA COACH SAID AFTER THE GAME
After the game, disappointed Yanga head coach Miguel Gamondi, said they were robbed. He was referring to the disallowed Aziz Ki strike.
Surprisingly, the referee did not check whether the ball crossed the line or not but only relied on the VAR match officials’ message.
“…We were robbed clear. If the people of Sundowns are happy with that, it’s okay. But football is not like that. We are talking about FIFA Fair Play.
“In 2019, I was coaching Hassania. I played the quarter-final against Zamalek, and we scored one goal. We had the picture as well.
“I think it’s the second time I have been robbed. And it’s very painful. Today, honesty was not in this stadium, and this is painful for football.”
RELATED STORY: Yanga’s disallowed goal: Rulani Mokwena reacts to Gamondi’s remarks
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