South Africa claim betting spike in 1-0 World Cup qualifier loss to Ghana

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ANKARA (AA) - The President of the South African Football Association (SASA) Danny Jordaan claimed there were betting spikes before decisions by officials during Ghana’s critical 1-0 win against South Africa in a 2022 World Cup qualification match.

"How is it that there's a betting spike just before a major decision is taken and therefore people bet?” he said at a news conference Wednesday. “They knew when to bet."

SASA previously lodged a match-fixing allegation complaint with FIFA regarding the 2022 World Cup qualification contest on Sunday.

"We refer to the above matters and wish to formally record our complaint and protest concerning the wrongful and unlawful conduct of the match referee and other officials, concerning match fixing, match manipulation including corruption and bribery in respect of the game between Ghana and South Africa played in Ghana on the 14th November 2021," it said in the complaint filed Monday.

Andre Ayew converted a controversial penalty kick at Cape Coast Sports Stadium to give Ghana the win.

Ghana led Group G with 13 points and finished ahead of South Africa, reaching the African playoffs.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has denied the match-fixing allegations.